Facebook deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete
When you delete your Facebook account, the company removes your profile, photos, posts, and messages from its servers. This is different from deactivation, which hides your account but keeps the data. Deletion cannot be undone — after 30 days, your account and everything on it is gone for good.
Facebook gives you a 30-day window after you request deletion. During this time, you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind by logging back in. After 30 days pass, the deletion becomes final. Some data tied to your account — like messages you sent to others — may remain in their inboxes, but your profile itself will be completely removed.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion takes 30 days to finalize, and you can cancel it by logging in during that window.
- You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to delete your account; the Facebook app does not have a deletion option.
- Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask security questions before processing the deletion request.
- After deletion is final, you cannot recover your photos, messages, or any other account data.
Steps to delete your account on a computer
Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already signed in. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page (next to your profile picture). From the menu that appears, select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the Settings page, scroll down and click Deactivation and deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate your account and one to delete it. Click Delete account. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may ask security questions to verify your identity. Answer these questions and click Continue.
Read the information about what happens when you delete your account. Facebook will tell you that deletion takes 30 days and that you can cancel during this period. Click Delete account again to confirm. Your deletion request is now submitted, and the 30-day countdown begins.
Steps to delete your account on a phone
Open Facebook in a web browser on your phone — not the Facebook app. (The app does not have a deletion option.) Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.
Scroll down to find Deactivation and deletion and tap it. Select Delete account. Enter your password and answer any security questions Facebook asks. Tap Continue, then read the confirmation screen and tap Delete account again to finalize your request.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your account is hidden from Facebook when ready after you request deletion. Other people cannot find your profile, see your posts, or message you. However, your data still exists on Facebook's servers during these 30 days. If you log back in at any point during this period, your deletion request is cancelled and your account returns to normal.
Messages you sent to other people before deletion will still appear in their inboxes. Photos you uploaded may still be visible to people who were tagged in them or who have copies saved elsewhere. Facebook does not remove data from third-party apps or websites that you connected to your Facebook account — you may need to delete those connections separately.
How to cancel deletion before it becomes final
If you change your mind within the 30-day window, log into Facebook using your email address and password. Your account will reactivate when ready, and the deletion request will be cancelled. Your profile, photos, posts, and messages will return to normal. You can do this as many times as you want during the 30 days.
After 30 days have passed, you cannot cancel the deletion. Facebook will have permanently removed your account and all associated data from its servers.
What you should do before deleting your account
read your information before you delete. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings, then click Your information and permissions > read your information. Choose the date range and data types you want to save (photos, posts, messages, etc.), then click Request a read. Facebook will email you a file with your data that you can save to your computer.
Tell people who need to reach you that you are deleting your account. Share your phone number, email address, or another way to contact you. If you manage a Facebook Page or Group, transfer ownership to someone else before you delete your account — deleting your personal account does not automatically delete Pages or Groups you created. Log out of any other websites or apps that use Facebook to sign in, since you will no longer be able to use Facebook as a login method after deletion is final.
Deletion versus deactivation: which one to choose
Deactivation hides your account temporarily. Your profile disappears from search results and other people cannot see your posts or message you, but Facebook keeps all your data. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in, and everything returns exactly as it was. Deactivation is useful if you want a break from Facebook but might want to return later.
Deletion is permanent. After 30 days, your account and all its data are gone forever. You cannot recover photos, messages, or posts. If you think you might want to use Facebook again in the future, deactivation is the safer choice. If you are certain you will never use Facebook again and want all your data removed, deletion is what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Facebook account if I have a Page or Group?
You can delete your personal account, but your Page or Group will remain. Before you delete, transfer ownership of any Pages or Groups to another person. If you do not transfer ownership, the Page or Group becomes inactive but still exists. You can transfer ownership in the Page or Group settings under Members or Roles.
What happens to my photos and messages after deletion?
Your photos and messages are removed from Facebook's servers after the 30-day period ends. However, people you messaged may have copies of your messages in their inboxes, and people tagged in your photos may have saved them. Facebook does not remove data from other people's accounts or devices.
Will deleting my Facebook account delete my Instagram or WhatsApp?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect Instagram or WhatsApp. If you want to delete those accounts, you must do so separately through their own settings.
Can I use the same email address to create a new Facebook account after deletion?
Yes, but only after the 30-day deletion period is complete. Once your account is permanently deleted, you can sign up for a new Facebook account using the same email address. You will start with a blank profile with no photos, posts, or friends.
What if I forget my password and cannot delete my account?
Use the "Forgot password?" link on the Facebook login page to reset your password. Enter your email address or phone number, and Facebook will send you a reset link. Once you reset your password, log in and follow the deletion steps. If you cannot access your email or phone number, contact Facebook through their Help Center to verify your identity another way.