In this guide, you’ll learn how to permanently delete a Facebook account using an Android phone, iPhone, or computer. We’ll also explain how to download your Facebook data, what happens to Messenger, how long deletion takes, and what you should do before confirming your request.
The steps follow Facebook’s official account-deletion instructions. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your app version, device, and account settings. Facebook Help Center
Quick Answer: How Do You Permanently Delete a Facebook Account?
To permanently delete your Facebook account, open Facebook and go to Settings & privacy → Settings → Accounts Center → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion. Select the Facebook account you want to remove, choose Delete account, tap Continue, and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
Before proceeding, download any photos, videos, posts, or other information you want to keep. Account deletion is intended to be permanent, and you may lose access to Messenger and other services that use Facebook Login.
1. What Does Permanently Deleting a Facebook Account Mean?
Permanently deleting a Facebook account means requesting the removal of your account and the content associated with it. This is different from simply logging out, uninstalling the app, or temporarily hiding your profile.
When Facebook completes the deletion process, you generally lose access to your profile, uploaded photos, posts, videos, and other information associated with the account. You also lose access to Facebook Messenger through that account and may lose access to connected services.
Before proceeding, understand the main consequences:
- Your profile: Your Facebook profile will be deleted.
- Your posts and media: Photos, videos, and posts associated with your account will be scheduled for removal.
- Your friends list: Your Facebook connections will no longer be available through the deleted account.
- Facebook Messenger: You will no longer be able to use Messenger through that account.
- Connected apps: Services that rely on Facebook Login may require another login method.
- Recovery: After the cancellation period ends and deletion is completed, you cannot restore the account.
Some information, such as messages you previously sent to other people, may remain visible in their inboxes because copies are stored in their accounts.
For this reason, review your account carefully before submitting a deletion request.
2. Deactivate vs. Delete: What’s the Difference?
Before deleting your account, decide whether you want to leave Facebook permanently or simply take a break.
Facebook offers two main options: deactivation and permanent deletion.
| Feature | Deactivate Facebook | Permanently Delete Facebook |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Take a temporary break | Leave Facebook permanently |
| Profile visibility | Generally hidden | Account scheduled for deletion |
| Photos and posts | Retained | Scheduled for removal |
| Return to Facebook | You can reactivate | Not possible after deletion is completed |
| Messenger | May remain available | No longer available through the deleted account |
| Facebook Login | May continue to work | May stop working |
| Best for | Temporary breaks | Permanent departure |
When Should You Deactivate Your Account?
Choose deactivation if you’re unsure whether you want to leave Facebook forever. It can help you take a break without immediately giving up your photos, posts, and account history.
You can generally reactivate a deactivated account by logging in again.
When Should You Permanently Delete Your Account?
Choose deletion if you no longer want to maintain your Facebook account and understand that you may lose access to your content and connected services.
Important: Deactivation and deletion are different options in Facebook’s settings. Read the confirmation screen carefully to ensure you select the option you actually want.
3. Things to Do Before Deleting Your Account
A few minutes of preparation can prevent problems later. Before deleting Facebook, review the following checklist.
Download Your Photos and Videos
If you have family photos, important videos, or other memories on Facebook, download a copy of your information before requesting deletion.
Once your account is permanently deleted, you may not be able to retrieve the content you uploaded.
Save Important Information
Check your account for information you may need later, including:
- Important posts and announcements.
- Contact details shared by friends.
- Photos and videos from events.
- Messages containing addresses or other useful information.
- Records of purchases or transactions.
- Information associated with groups, events, or Pages you manage.
Remember that downloading your Facebook information may not give you access to every item stored by other people or third-party services.
Check Apps That Use Facebook Login
You might use Facebook to sign in to other websites, games, or apps. Examples include entertainment services, shopping platforms, and mobile games.
Before deleting Facebook, open those services and connect an alternative login method, such as an email address or the service’s own password.
Review Pages You Manage
If you manage a business Page, creator Page, or community Page, review its access arrangements before deleting your personal account.
Make sure another trusted person has the appropriate access if the Page needs to remain active. Your personal account and the Page are related, but they are not the same thing.
Review Meta Quest Information
If you use your Facebook account to access Meta Quest products, check what account deletion means for your purchases, achievements, and other associated information. Meta warns that deleting the Facebook account can also affect Meta Quest information.
Make Sure You Can Access Your Account
If Facebook asks you to confirm your password or verify your identity, you’ll need to complete that process.
If you’ve forgotten your password, recover access first using Facebook’s official account recovery process.
4. How to Permanently Delete a Facebook Account on a Computer
Using a desktop browser is one of the easiest ways to manage your Facebook account settings.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Open Facebook
Open your preferred browser and visit Facebook.com.
Log in to the account you want to delete.
If you have multiple Facebook accounts or profiles, verify that you’re using the correct one.
Step 2: Open Settings and Privacy
Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner of the Facebook page.
A menu will appear. Select Settings & privacy, then click Settings.
Step 3: Open Accounts Center
Look for Accounts Center, which is part of Meta’s account-management system.
Click it to open the settings for your connected Meta accounts and profiles.
Step 4: Select Personal Details
In Accounts Center, find Personal details under the account settings section.
Click this option to access your personal information and account-management controls.
Step 5: Open Account Ownership and Control
Select Account ownership and control.
This section contains options for managing your account, including deactivation and deletion.
Step 6: Choose Deactivation or Deletion
Click Deactivation or deletion.
If you have more than one eligible account or profile listed, Facebook will ask you to select the one you want to manage.
Step 7: Select the Correct Facebook Account
Choose the Facebook account or profile you intend to delete.
Check the account details before continuing. If you use other Meta accounts, avoid selecting an account you want to keep.
Step 8: Select Delete Account
Facebook will display the available options.
Choose Delete account, not Deactivate account, if your goal is permanent deletion.
You may see information about the consequences of deletion. Review it before moving forward.
Step 9: Continue and Confirm
Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.
Depending on your account, Facebook may ask you to provide your password, choose a reason for leaving, review data-download options, or complete additional security checks.
Complete the final confirmation step to submit your deletion request.
You’re done: Your deletion request has been submitted. However, the account may not be permanently deleted immediately. Facebook provides a limited cancellation period, which is commonly 30 days.
5. How to Delete a Facebook Account on Android
You can delete your Facebook account directly from the Android app without using a computer.
Step 1: Open the Facebook App
Launch Facebook on your Android phone.
Make sure you’re logged in to the account you want to remove.
Step 2: Open the Menu
Tap your profile picture or the menu icon, depending on your version of Facebook.
Open the main menu to find your account settings.
Step 3: Open Settings and Privacy
Scroll through the menu and tap Settings & privacy.
Then select Settings.
Step 4: Go to Accounts Center
Find and open Accounts Center.
If you don’t immediately see it, check near the top of the settings page or look for a Meta account-management section.
Step 5: Tap Personal Details
Under account settings, select Personal details.
Then tap Account ownership and control.
Step 6: Select Deactivation or Deletion
Tap Deactivation or deletion.
Choose the Facebook account you intend to delete if multiple accounts or profiles appear.
Step 7: Choose Delete Account
Select Delete account.
Read the information Facebook displays about losing access to your profile, Messenger, and other associated services.
Step 8: Confirm the Deletion Request
Tap Continue and follow the remaining instructions.
Enter your password or complete identity verification if prompted.
Once you finish, Facebook will begin processing your request according to its deletion policy.
Tip: If the menus on your Android phone look different, update the Facebook app or try the desktop website. The account-deletion option is managed through Facebook’s settings, even when the interface changes.
6. How to Delete a Facebook Account on iPhone
The process on an iPhone is similar to the Android procedure.
Step 1: Open Facebook on Your iPhone
Launch the Facebook app and sign in to the account you want to delete.
Step 2: Open the Menu
Tap the menu icon or your profile picture, depending on the version of the app.
Navigate to Settings & privacy, then tap Settings.
Step 3: Access Accounts Center
Open Accounts Center.
This is where Meta provides many account-management options for Facebook and other connected accounts.
Step 4: Open Personal Details
Tap Personal details, then select Account ownership and control.
Step 5: Select Deactivation or Deletion
Choose Deactivation or deletion.
If several accounts or profiles appear, select the Facebook account you want to remove.
Step 6: Choose Delete Account
Select Delete account.
Do not select deactivation unless you want to hide your account temporarily and keep the option of returning.
Step 7: Complete the Confirmation Process
Tap Continue and follow the instructions.
Facebook may request your password or additional verification before accepting the request.
Once you submit the request, avoid logging back in if you want the deletion to proceed.
7. How to Delete Facebook Through the Older Settings Menu
Some accounts may still display an alternative settings route. If you cannot find the deletion option in Accounts Center, check whether your account offers the older menu.
On a computer, follow these steps:
- Open Facebook and click your profile picture.
- Select Settings & privacy.
- Click Settings.
- Look for Your Facebook information.
- Select Deactivation and deletion.
- Choose Delete account.
- Click Continue to account deletion.
- Follow the instructions, enter your password if requested, and confirm.
The exact wording and availability of this route can vary. If the older option isn’t displayed, return to Accounts Center and use the current account-deletion workflow.
8. How to Download Your Facebook Information Before Deletion
Downloading your information is one of the most important things to do before permanently deleting your account.
Facebook offers tools for creating a downloadable copy of selected account information.
Step 1: Open Accounts Center
Log in to Facebook and open Settings & privacy → Settings → Accounts Center.
Step 2: Find Your Information and Permissions
Look for Your information and permissions.
This section contains tools for accessing or transferring information associated with your Meta account.
Step 3: Select the Download or Export Option
Choose the option to download or export your information. The wording may differ depending on the interface.
Step 4: Choose the Information You Want
Depending on the options available, select categories such as:
- Photos and videos.
- Posts.
- Comments and reactions.
- Messages or other available account information.
- Information about connections and activity.
You may be able to select a date range, file format, and media quality.
Step 5: Create the Download
Follow the instructions to create your archive.
Facebook may need time to prepare the files. You may receive a notification when the archive is ready.
Step 6: Download and Check Your Files
Download the archive to a secure location and verify that the files you care about are included.
If the archive contains sensitive personal information, store it securely and avoid uploading it to untrusted websites.
Only after you’ve saved the information you want should you proceed with deleting your account.
9. What Happens After You Delete Your Account?
Submitting a deletion request begins a process that affects more than just your profile.
Here’s what you should expect.
Your Profile Becomes Unavailable
Your Facebook profile is scheduled for deletion. During the deletion process, your profile and content are generally no longer accessible to other Facebook users.
Your Photos, Videos, and Posts Are Scheduled for Removal
Facebook processes the removal of content associated with your account. Once deletion is completed, you cannot retrieve that content through the deleted account.
You Lose Access to Messenger
You will no longer be able to use Messenger through the deleted Facebook account.
If you need important information from Messenger, review and save what you can before proceeding.
Your Messages May Remain in Other People’s Inboxes
Deleting your account does not guarantee that every message you’ve ever sent disappears from other people’s conversations.
Copies of messages may remain visible to their recipients.
Connected Services May Stop Working
If you use Facebook to sign in to another service, you may lose that login method.
Make sure you can access those accounts independently before deleting Facebook.
Associated Meta Quest Information May Be Affected
If your Facebook account is used to access Meta Quest products, your associated information, purchases, or achievements may be affected.
Review Meta’s account guidance before deleting an account linked to those products.
10. How Long Does Facebook Account Deletion Take?
Facebook account deletion is not necessarily immediate.
There are two important time periods to understand.
| Period | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Cancellation period | Facebook commonly allows 30 days to cancel a deletion request |
| Content removal period | Facebook says removing all posted content can take up to 90 days from the start of the deletion process |
During the cancellation period, logging back in may allow you to cancel the request. The exact cancellation rules can vary by region, so follow the information Facebook displays for your account.
The 90-day period does not mean your account remains publicly visible for 90 days. Facebook says the information being deleted is not accessible to other Facebook users while the deletion process is underway.
Facebook may also retain certain information in backup storage or for legal, security, and policy-enforcement reasons. Therefore, permanent account deletion should not be interpreted as an instant guarantee that every technical copy disappears from every system.
For the official explanation, see Facebook’s account deletion help page.
11. Can You Cancel a Facebook Account Deletion Request?
Yes. If you change your mind within the available cancellation period, you may be able to cancel the deletion request.
Facebook commonly provides a 30-day window.
How to Cancel the Deletion
- Open Facebook.
- Log in to the account for which you requested deletion.
- Look for the option to cancel the deletion.
- Select Cancel deletion if the option is available.
- Follow any additional instructions.
If the deletion request is successfully canceled, you can continue using the account.
What If the Cancellation Period Has Passed?
Once the cancellation period has ended and the account has been permanently deleted, you generally cannot recover the account or its associated content.
If you aren’t certain about leaving Facebook, consider deactivation instead.
Important: Don’t log in to the account during the cancellation period if you want the deletion to continue. Follow Facebook’s current instructions, because the process and available options may vary.
12. How to Delete a Facebook Account If You Forgot Your Password
If you’ve forgotten your password, you may need to recover access before deleting your account.
Facebook may require you to authenticate your identity before allowing a sensitive account change.
Step 1: Open Facebook Account Recovery
Visit Facebook’s official recovery page:
Step 2: Identify Your Account
Enter the email address or phone number associated with the account.
If prompted, you may also be able to search using your name or other account details.
Step 3: Follow the Recovery Instructions
Choose an available recovery method and follow the instructions to verify your identity.
Depending on your account, Facebook may offer a code or another verification procedure.
Step 4: Reset Your Password
If Facebook allows you to reset your password, create a strong, unique password.
Avoid sharing verification codes with anyone.
Step 5: Return to Account Settings
Once you’ve regained access, open Accounts Center and follow the account-deletion steps described earlier.
If you can’t recover the account, use Facebook’s official recovery and security tools rather than giving your login information to an unofficial account-removal service.
13. How to Delete a Facebook Account You Cannot Access
If you can’t access your Facebook account, deleting it may be more difficult because Facebook needs to establish that you’re authorized to manage it.
First, try to recover the account.
If You Lost Access to Your Email or Phone
Check whether you can recover the email account or phone number associated with your Facebook profile.
Restoring access to one of these methods may help you complete Facebook’s recovery process.
If You Think Your Account Was Hacked
Visit Facebook’s official hacked-account page:
Recover a hacked Facebook account
Follow the steps to secure the account and regain access if possible.
Once you’ve recovered access, you can request permanent deletion through Accounts Center.
If You Cannot Recover the Account
Use Facebook’s official help and identity-verification options that are available to you.
Do not pay an unknown third party who promises guaranteed account deletion. Never provide your password or authentication codes to someone claiming they can remove the account for you.
14. What Happens to Facebook Messenger?
Facebook Messenger is an important consideration before deleting your account.
If you permanently delete the Facebook account associated with Messenger, you will no longer be able to use Messenger through that account.
Before deletion, consider whether you need to save important conversations, addresses, photos, or other information.
Keep in mind that messages you’ve already sent may remain visible in other people’s inboxes.
If you want to keep using Messenger or need access to your Facebook conversations, review the current account options carefully before choosing permanent deletion. Deactivation may be more appropriate if you only want a temporary break.
15. What Happens to Apps Connected to Facebook?
Many apps and websites offer a Continue with Facebook or Log in with Facebook button.
If you delete your Facebook account, those services may no longer be able to authenticate you through Facebook.
Before deleting the account:
- Make a list of apps and websites where you use Facebook Login.
- Open each service separately.
- Look for account settings or security options.
- Add an email address, password, or another supported sign-in method.
- Confirm that the alternative login works.
- Review any purchases, subscriptions, or saved data associated with the service.
Do not assume that deleting Facebook will automatically delete your account with every third-party app.
Each service has its own account-management and data-deletion policies. You may need to close those accounts separately if you want your information removed from them.
16. How to Delete Additional Facebook Profiles
Some Facebook users have additional profiles associated with their main account.
Before proceeding, determine whether you want to delete one additional profile or the entire Facebook account.
Meta provides options for managing additional profiles, and the available choices may depend on which profile you select.
To check your options:
- Open Facebook.
- Go to Settings & privacy → Settings.
- Open Accounts Center.
- Select Personal details.
- Open Account ownership and control.
- Select Deactivation or deletion.
- Review the accounts or profiles shown.
- Choose the correct profile and review the available options.
If you want to keep your main Facebook account but remove only an additional profile, make sure you select the individual profile rather than the main account.
If you delete the main account, other profiles associated with that account may also be affected. Review the confirmation screen carefully.
17. How to Handle Facebook Pages Before Deleting Your Account
If you manage a Facebook Page for a business, organization, creator brand, or community, take extra care before deleting your personal account.
Your personal profile is separate from a Page, but your account may be used to manage access to it.
Before deleting Facebook:
- Review the Pages you manage.
- Identify whether the Page needs to remain active.
- Check who has full control or the appropriate management permissions.
- Arrange for another trusted administrator to manage the Page if necessary.
- Confirm that the person can access the Page before you submit your deletion request.
If the Page is no longer needed, review Facebook’s separate Page-deletion options. Deleting your personal account and deleting a Page are not necessarily the same action.
For a business, it’s particularly important to protect access to advertising accounts, business assets, customer messages, and any connected tools before removing the account used to manage them.
18. Common Problems When Deleting a Facebook Account
Sometimes the deletion process doesn’t work as expected. The following troubleshooting tips can help.
Problem 1: You Cannot Find Accounts Center
Facebook’s settings can vary across devices and app versions.
Solution: Open Settings & privacy → Settings and look for Accounts Center. If it isn’t visible in the app, try Facebook through a desktop browser.
Problem 2: You See Deactivation but Not Deletion
You may be looking at the wrong menu or managing a different account or profile.
Solution: Open Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion, select the intended account, and check the available options.
Problem 3: Facebook Requests Your Password
Facebook may require password confirmation for sensitive account changes.
Solution: Enter your password through Facebook’s official app or website. If you’ve forgotten it, recover your account first.
Problem 4: You Cannot Access the Registered Email or Phone
You may be unable to complete the normal recovery process.
Solution: Use Facebook’s official account-recovery tools and follow any alternative verification options offered.
Problem 5: The App Keeps Crashing
An outdated app or temporary technical issue may prevent you from accessing settings.
Solution: Update Facebook, restart the app, or use a browser. You can also try again after the temporary issue has passed.
Problem 6: You Accidentally Selected Deactivation
Deactivation does not permanently delete your account.
Solution: Return to Accounts Center, select Deactivation or deletion, and choose Delete account if that option is available.
Problem 7: You Want to Delete Facebook Immediately
The deletion process may include a cancellation period and a longer period for removing content.
Solution: Submit the deletion request as soon as you’re ready, but understand that complete deletion may take time. There is no guarantee that all information will disappear instantly.
Problem 8: You’re Worried About Your Personal Information
You may want to leave Facebook because you’re concerned about privacy.
Solution: Download information you need, check connected apps, review account recovery details, and submit the deletion request. Also remember that previously sent messages may remain visible to recipients.
19. Tips for Protecting Your Privacy Before Deletion
Deleting your Facebook account is one step toward managing your online presence. These additional precautions can help you leave the platform more confidently.
Save Important Information Securely
Store your downloaded archive in a secure location. If it contains personal information, use a trusted device and avoid sharing the files publicly.
Update Your Login Details Elsewhere
Replace Facebook Login on other services before deletion. This reduces the risk of losing access to important accounts.
Review Your Public Content
If you have posts or photos that you want to preserve, download them before starting the deletion process.
Secure Your Email Account
Your email address may be used for password resets on other websites. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication where available.
Avoid Unofficial Account-Deletion Services
You do not need to share your Facebook password with a third party to submit a normal deletion request.
Use Facebook’s official website or app and be cautious of anyone promising instant deletion in exchange for payment or account credentials.
Keep a Record of Essential Account Changes
If your Facebook account is linked to a business or other online service, confirm that you have updated the relevant access settings before deletion.
20. Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I permanently delete my Facebook account?
Open Facebook settings and go to Accounts Center → Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion. Select the correct account, choose Delete account, and follow the confirmation steps.
2. Can I permanently delete my Facebook account from my phone?
Yes. You can delete your account using the Facebook app on Android or iPhone. Open Settings, go to Accounts Center, select Personal details, and find Deactivation or deletion. Then choose Delete account and confirm.
3. Does deleting Facebook immediately remove all my information?
No. Facebook commonly allows a cancellation period of 30 days, and removing all posted content may take up to 90 days from the start of the deletion process. Certain information may remain in backups or be retained for legal, security, or policy-related reasons.
4. Can I recover my Facebook account after deleting it?
You may be able to cancel the deletion request during the available cancellation period, commonly 30 days. Once the account has been permanently deleted, you generally cannot recover it or restore its content.
5. Will deleting Facebook also delete Messenger?
You will no longer be able to use Messenger through the deleted Facebook account. However, copies of messages you’ve sent may remain visible in other people’s inboxes.
6. Can I delete Facebook without losing my photos?
You can download a copy of your available Facebook photos and other information before deleting your account. After deletion is completed, you may not be able to retrieve the original content from Facebook.
7. What happens to apps where I use Facebook Login?
You may lose the ability to sign in to those apps using Facebook. Before deletion, add another supported login method and verify that it works. You may need to contact individual services if you later have trouble accessing your accounts.
8. Can I delete my Facebook account if I forgot my password?
You may need to recover access first. Visit Facebook’s account recovery page, follow the verification instructions, and then return to your account settings to request deletion.
9. Is deactivating Facebook the same as deleting it?
No. Deactivation is a temporary option that generally hides your profile while retaining your account information. Permanent deletion is intended to remove your account and associated content after the deletion process is completed.
10. Will my Facebook messages disappear when I delete my account?
Not necessarily. Messages you sent to other people may remain visible in their inboxes, even after your account is deleted. Save any information you need before submitting the deletion request.
Conclusion
Learning how to permanently delete a Facebook account can help you take control of your online presence and decide how you want to manage your personal information.
The process is straightforward: open Facebook settings, access Accounts Center, select Personal details, choose Account ownership and control, and open Deactivation or deletion. Select Delete account and follow the instructions to confirm your request.
Before proceeding, download important photos and information, check connected apps, review Messenger access, and make sure you have arranged access to any Pages or business assets you manage.
Remember that Facebook commonly provides a 30-day cancellation period, while removing all posted content may take up to 90 days. If you’re uncertain about leaving permanently, deactivation is a less final alternative.
For the most accurate instructions, consult the official Facebook Help Center before confirming your deletion request.
Key Takeaways
- Open Accounts Center: Go to Settings & privacy → Settings → Accounts Center.
- Find the deletion option: Select Personal details → Account ownership and control → Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose Delete account: Make sure you select deletion rather than temporary deactivation.
- Back up your information: Download photos, videos, posts, and other important information first.
- Check connected services: Replace Facebook Login on other apps and websites.
- Review Messenger and Pages: Understand how deletion affects conversations and any Pages you manage.
- Know the timeline: Facebook commonly allows 30 days to cancel a deletion request, and content removal may take up to 90 days.
- Use official tools: Recover your account through Facebook if you’ve forgotten your password or lost access.
- Make an informed decision: Once deletion is complete, you generally cannot restore your account or retrieve its content.