Delete vs Deactivate — What is the Difference?
Deactivating hides your profile and removes you from search but keeps all your data — you can reactivate any time by logging back in. Deleting permanently removes your account and data after a 30-day grace period.
How to Permanently Delete Facebook
- 1
Log in and go to Settings
Click the arrow or three lines in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy → Settings.
- 2
Go to Your Facebook Information
Find this option in the left sidebar of Settings.
- 3
Click Deactivation and Deletion
Select this option from the list.
- 4
Choose Delete Account
Select Delete Account and then click Continue to Account Deletion.
- 5
Click Delete Account and confirm
Enter your password if prompted. Your account deletion is now scheduled.
30-day grace periodYour account is not deleted immediately. Facebook keeps it for 30 days in case you change your mind. If you log in during this period, the deletion is cancelled. After 30 days, deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Before You Delete — Things to Do First
- Download your data — Settings → Your Facebook Information → Download Your Information. This saves all your photos, posts and messages.
- Save any photos you want to keep — once deleted they are gone forever.
- Disconnect apps that use Facebook login — you will lose access to any service where you sign in with Facebook.
- Tell friends your new contact details if they only reach you through Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only within the 30-day grace period. After that, the account and all data are permanently gone and cannot be recovered under any circumstances.
Messages you sent to others will still appear in their inbox but will show as being from a deleted account. Your name will no longer be clickable.
Facebook occasionally moves this. Try going directly to facebook.com/help/delete_account which takes you straight to the deletion page.