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2 min read
Updated March 2026

How to Delete Facebook Account

Permanently delete or temporarily deactivate your Facebook profile via Meta's Accounts Center

Quick Answer

Facebook app > Menu > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion. Choose delete or deactivate. You have 30 days to cancel.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Back Up Your Facebook Data

Before deleting, go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Your Facebook information > Download your information. Select the data you want and request a download.

💡Facebook emails you a download link. The file can take a few hours to a few days to arrive depending on how much data you have.
2

Navigate to Deletion Settings

Open Facebook and tap Menu (☰) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion.

💡You can also go directly to facebook.com/help/delete_account on a desktop browser.
3

Choose Delete or Deactivate

Select your Facebook account, then choose Delete account to permanently remove it, or Deactivate account to temporarily hide your profile while keeping all your data.

💡Deactivation is reversible — you can reactivate simply by logging back in. Deletion is permanent after 30 days.
4

Confirm Deletion

Enter your password and select a reason for leaving. Click Continue and then Delete account. Facebook gives you a 30-day grace period during which you can cancel by logging back in.

💡Do not log in to Facebook for 30 days or the deletion process will be cancelled automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my data after I delete Facebook?

Facebook begins deleting your data after the 30-day grace period. Some information, like messages you sent to others, may remain visible to them. Full deletion can take up to 90 days.

Will deleting Facebook also delete Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Even though they are all under Meta's Accounts Center, each account is deleted separately. Deleting Facebook does not affect your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts.

Can I recover my Facebook account after deletion?

Only within the 30-day grace period by logging back in and cancelling the deletion. After 30 days, the account and its data are permanently and irreversibly deleted.

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