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How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account
Learn the step-by-step process to permanently delete your Facebook account. We cover backing up your data, navigating settings, and what happens to your information.
Quick Summary
To permanently delete your Facebook account, you must navigate to your settings, specifically the 'Your Facebook Information' section, and select the 'Deactivation and Deletion' option. It's crucial to understand that this action is irreversible after a short grace period, so consider downloading your data beforehand.
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🛒 What You Need
- Facebook account login details
- Internet access
- Computer or smartphone
📋 Steps
Understand Deactivation vs. Permanent Deletion
Before proceeding, it's important to differentiate between deactivating your account and permanently deleting it. Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile and content, allowing you to reactivate it later, while permanent deletion removes your account and all associated data after a grace period, making it irreversible. Choose wisely based on whether you plan to return to Facebook in the future.
Back Up Your Facebook Data (Recommended)
Once your account is deleted, your data will be gone forever. Facebook allows you to download a copy of your information, including photos, posts, and messages, before deletion. To do this, go to 'Settings & Privacy' > 'Settings' > 'Your Facebook Information' > 'Download Your Information'. Select the data you want, choose a format, and create a file.
Find the 'Deactivation and Deletion' Option
From the 'Settings' page, look for 'Your Facebook Information' in the left-hand menu on a desktop, or scroll down on mobile. Click or tap on 'Your Facebook Information' to expand its options. Within this section, you will see 'Deactivation and Deletion'. This is the gateway to managing your account's existence.
Choose Permanent Account Deletion
Upon clicking 'Deactivation and Deletion', you will be presented with two choices: 'Deactivate Account' or 'Delete Account'. Select 'Delete Account', as this is the permanent option you're aiming for. Click 'Continue to Account Deletion' to proceed to the next confirmation screen, where Facebook will remind you of the implications.
Confirm Your Permanent Deletion
Facebook will offer a final chance to download your information or deactivate your account instead. If you're certain, click the 'Delete Account' button at the bottom of the page. You will then be prompted to enter your password to confirm your identity. After entering your password, click 'Continue' to finalize the request.
Understand the 30-Day Grace Period
After confirming your deletion, Facebook initiates a 30-day grace period. During this time, your account is scheduled for permanent deletion, but it is not immediately removed. If you log back into your account within these 30 days, your deletion request will be canceled, and your account will be restored. After 30 days, the deletion process becomes irreversible.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Review Connected Apps: Before deleting, check 'Apps and Websites' in your settings to see which third-party services you've logged into using Facebook. Remove any you no longer need or wish to have linked.
- Inform Your Friends: If you have close friends or family who rely on Facebook to contact you, consider letting them know you're leaving the platform and share alternative contact methods.
- Consider Deactivation First: If you're not entirely sure about permanent deletion, deactivating your account allows you to take a break and return later without losing any data.
- Review Connected Apps: Before deleting, check 'Apps and Websites' in your settings to see which third-party services you've logged into using Facebook. Remove any you no longer need or wish to have linked.
- Inform Your Friends: If you have close friends or family who rely on Facebook to contact you, consider letting them know you're leaving the platform and share alternative contact methods.
- Consider Deactivation First: If you're not entirely sure about permanent deletion, deactivating your account allows you to take a break and return later without losing any data.
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⚠️ Warnings
- ⚠️ Irreversible Action: Once the 30-day grace period passes, your account and all its data, including photos, posts, and messages, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
- ⚠️ Data Loss: Any information you haven't backed up will be lost forever. This includes personal posts, photos, videos, and friend lists.
- ⚠️ Messenger Impact: If you permanently delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account will also be deleted. If you only deactivate your Facebook account, you may still be able to use Messenger.
- ⚠️ Irreversible Action: Once the 30-day grace period passes, your account and all its data, including photos, posts, and messages, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
- ⚠️ Data Loss: Any information you haven't backed up will be lost forever. This includes personal posts, photos, videos, and friend lists.
- ⚠️ Messenger Impact: If you permanently delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account will also be deleted. If you only deactivate your Facebook account, you may still be able to use Messenger.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between deactivating and deleting my Facebook account?
Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile and content, allowing you to reactivate it at any time. Deleting your account is permanent; after a grace period, your profile and all data are removed and cannot be recovered.
Can I recover my account after it's been permanently deleted?
No, once your account has passed the 30-day grace period and is permanently deleted, it cannot be recovered. The action is irreversible.
How long does it take for my account to be fully deleted after I request it?
Facebook provides a 30-day grace period during which you can cancel the deletion request by logging back in. After these 30 days, the deletion process begins and can take up to 90 days for all your data to be completely removed from Facebook's systems.
What happens to my photos, posts, and messages after deletion?
After the grace period, all your photos, posts, videos, and messages will be permanently deleted and cannot be retrieved. It's highly recommended to download your data before initiating the deletion process.
Can I delete my Facebook account from a mobile device?
Yes, the process for deleting your Facebook account is available through both the Facebook mobile app and the mobile web browser, mirroring the steps found on a desktop computer.
Will my Messenger account be deleted if I delete my Facebook account?
Yes, if you permanently delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account will also be deleted. If you only deactivate your Facebook account, you may still be able to use Messenger.
What about data I shared with third-party apps and websites connected to Facebook?
Deleting your Facebook account will remove your ability to log into those apps and websites using Facebook. However, Facebook cannot delete the data those third-party apps or websites may have already collected about you. You would need to contact them directly.
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