How to Deactivate Facebook Account

Whether you want a break from Facebook or you’re ready to leave permanently, Facebook gives you two options: temporary deactivation and permanent deletion. The steps are simple, but the consequences are very different, so it’s worth understanding which one is right for you before you start.

This guide covers both options in full: how to deactivate on desktop and mobile, how to permanently delete your account, how to handle Messenger, and what actually happens to your data after each action.

Deactivate vs. Delete: Which One Should You Choose?

	Deactivate	Delete Permanently
What it does	Hides your profile and content temporarily	Permanently removes your account and data
Reversible?	Yes log back in to reactivate	No cannot be undone after 30 days
Your posts & photos	Hidden but saved	Deleted permanently
Your followers	Preserved, visible again when you return	Gone can’t be recovered
Messenger	Can still use Messenger (optional)	Messenger also deleted if linked
How long it takes	Immediate	Up to 30 days to fully complete
Best for	Taking a break or digital detox	Permanently leaving Facebook

If there’s any chance you might want to return, deactivate. If you’re certain you’re done with Facebook, delete.

How to Deactivate Facebook Temporarily

Should you wish to temporarily step back from Facebook, you have the option to deactivate Facebook for a while. The process can be done either on the website or through the app. Let’s walk through the steps for each platform.

How to Deactivate Facebook Account (Temporarily)

On the Facebook Website (Desktop)

1. Log into your Facebook account at facebook.com.
2. Click the arrow icon (or your profile picture) in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
4. In the left menu, click Your Facebook Information.
5. Click Deactivation and Deletion.
6. Select Deactivate Account and click Continue.
7. Choose a reason for deactivating from the dropdown menu.
8. Enter your Facebook password to confirm.
9. Click Deactivate Now.

Your account is now deactivated. Your profile and content will be hidden from other users immediately.

On the Facebook Mobile App (iPhone & Android)

10. Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (bottom right on iOS, top right on Android).
11. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
12. Tap Personal Information (or Account Settings depending on your app version).
13. Tap Manage Account.
14. Tap Deactivate Account.
15. Follow the on-screen prompts: choose a reason, confirm your identity, and tap Deactivate.

How to Delete Facebook Account Permanently

Permanent deletion removes your Facebook account, profile, posts, photos, videos, and data from Facebook’s servers. The process starts a 30-day countdown during this period, you can still cancel the deletion by logging back in. After 30 days, the deletion is final.

On the Facebook Website (Desktop)

1. Log into Facebook at facebook.com.
2. Go to Settings (click your profile icon, then Settings & Privacy > Settings).
3. Click Your Facebook Information in the left menu.
4. Select Deactivation and Deletion.
5. Choose Delete Account and click Continue.
6. Click Delete Account.
7. Enter your password to confirm.
8. Click Continue and then Delete Account.

Facebook will begin the 30-day deletion process. Logging in during this period will cancel the deletion.

How to Delete FB Account Permanently from Mobile

9. Open the Facebook app.
10. Tap the three-line menu icon.
11. Tap Settings & Privacy > Settings.
12. Tap Personal Information > Manage Account.
13. Tap Delete Account.
14. Follow the confirmation steps and enter your password.
15. Confirm the deletion.

How to Deactivate or Delete Facebook Messenger

Messenger and Facebook are linked but can be handled independently in some situations.

If you deactivate Facebook: You can choose to keep Messenger active. During the deactivation setup, Facebook gives you the option to stay on Messenger even while your main profile is hidden. Your Messenger contacts can still reach you.

If you delete Facebook: Your Messenger account will also be deleted, since Messenger relies on your Facebook account for authentication.

To deactivate Messenger separately:

1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top left.
3. Scroll down to Legal & Policies > Deactivate Messenger.
4. Follow the prompts to deactivate.

Download Your Facebook Data Before Deleting

If you’re permanently deleting your account, download your data first. This includes your photos, videos, messages, and account history.

5. Go to Settings > Your Facebook Information.
6. Click Download Your Information.
7. Select the data you want (photos, messages, posts, etc.) and choose a file format (HTML is easier to browse; JSON is better for technical use).
8. Click Create File. Facebook will prepare the download and notify you when it’s ready, which can take several hours to a few days for large accounts.

Once your data is downloaded, proceed with the account deletion if you’re ready.

What Happens After You Deactivate Facebook?

• Your profile, posts, and photos are hidden from other users
• You won’t appear in Facebook search
• Your name may still appear in conversations you had with other users
• You can reactivate by logging back in at any time
• Facebook retains all your data while your account is deactivated

What Happens After You Delete Facebook?

• You have 30 days to cancel before deletion becomes final
• After 30 days, your profile, posts, photos, and account data are permanently removed
• Some data may remain in Facebook’s backup servers for up to 90 days after deletion, but won’t be accessible
• Copies of messages you sent to other people may remain visible in their inboxes
• Any Facebook Login connections you used to sign into other apps will stop working

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep my Facebook account deactivated?

As long as you want. Facebook doesn’t automatically delete deactivated accounts or set an expiration date on deactivation. Your data remains saved indefinitely until you either reactivate or choose to delete.

Can I still use Messenger if I deactivate Facebook?

Yes, if you choose to. When deactivating, Facebook gives you the option to keep Messenger active. If you select that option, your Messenger continues to work normally even while your Facebook profile is hidden.

What happens to my Facebook Pages if I deactivate?

Pages you administer will remain active and visible to other users while your account is deactivated. However, you won’t be able to post or manage those Pages until you reactivate. If your Page has other admins, they can continue managing it in your absence.

How do I permanently delete my Facebook account from my phone?

Open the Facebook app, go to Settings > Personal Information > Manage Account > Delete Account. Follow the confirmation steps and enter your password. The deletion process begins immediately and completes within 30 days.

Can I delete Facebook but keep Instagram?

Yes. Facebook and Instagram are owned by Meta but operate as separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account does not affect your Instagram account unless they’re linked for login purposes. If you use Facebook to log into Instagram, update your Instagram login method before deleting Facebook.

How long does it take for Facebook to delete my account?

The deletion process takes up to 30 days. During this period, you can still cancel by logging back in. After 30 days, Facebook begins permanently removing your data, which can take up to 90 days to clear completely from backup systems though your account and content will be gone from public view after the 30-day window.