If you’re done with Facebook, worried about privacy, or want a permanent reset, this guide shows the difference between deactivating (temporary) and deleting (permanent) your account, with step-by-step instructions on the web, iPhone, and Android.
Deactivation vs. Deletion (quick comparison)
- Deactivate account
- Your profile is hidden.
- You can still use Messenger unless you choose to deactivate it too.
- You can come back anytime by signing in.
- Delete account
- Your profile, photos, posts, and most data are scheduled for permanent removal.
- There’s a grace period (about 30 days) to cancel after you start deletion.
- Messages you sent to others can remain in their inboxes.
- Pages where you’re the only admin may be removed—transfer admin rights first.
Before you proceed (recommended)
- Download your information (posts, photos, messages, etc.).
- Go to Settings ▶ Your Facebook Information ▶ Download Your Information.
- Choose the date range, format, and media quality, then request a copy.
- Check apps you log into with Facebook.
- Update any important accounts (Spotify, Pinterest, games) to use email/password or another login method.
- Save media you care about.
- Back up albums and Messenger attachments not covered in your export.
- Transfer Page ownership if needed.
- Add at least one trusted admin to Pages you manage alone.
Deactivate or Delete from a Web Browser (Windows/Mac/Chromebook)
- Open Facebook and sign in.
- Settings & privacy ▶ Settings.
- Accounts Center ▶ Personal details ▶ Account ownership and control.
- Choose Deactivation or deletion and pick your Facebook profile.
- Select Deactivate account (temporary) or Delete account (permanent).
- Follow the prompts: you may be asked for a reason, password, and whether you want to keep Messenger.
- Confirm.
To cancel a pending deletion: within the grace window, sign back in and choose Cancel deletion when prompted.
Deactivate or Delete on iPhone (Facebook app)
- Open Facebook.
- Tap your profile icon (bottom-right) ▶ Settings & privacy ▶ Settings.
- Tap Accounts Center ▶ Personal details ▶ Account ownership and control.
- Choose your profile ▶ Deactivation or deletion.
- Pick Deactivate account or Delete account, then follow the on-screen steps and confirm with your password.
Keep Messenger while deactivated: when offered, leave Keep using Messenger enabled.
Shut Messenger down too: open Messenger ▶ Settings ▶ Account ▶ Legal & policies ▶ Deactivate Messenger.
Deactivate or Delete on Android (Facebook app)
- Open Facebook.
- Tap your profile icon (top-right) ▶ Settings & privacy ▶ Settings.
- Enter Accounts Center ▶ Personal details ▶ Account ownership and control.
- Select your profile ▶ Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose Deactivate or Delete, review impacts (Pages, Messenger), and confirm.
What actually happens afterward
- If deactivated: your profile disappears from search; most content is hidden. You can reactivate anytime by signing in with the same credentials.
- If deletion was started: your account is scheduled for removal. During the grace period you can log in and cancel. After that, deletion continues on Facebook’s servers; caches and backups can take time to clear.
- Messages to friends: copies can remain in their inboxes.
- Pages & Groups: Pages with no other admins may be deleted; Groups you own will remain but lose your admin unless you transfer it.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- I can’t access the Accounts Center. Make sure the Facebook app or browser session is up to date; sign out/in and retry.
- I only want a break. Deactivate, keep Messenger, and set a calendar reminder to revisit in a month.
- I changed my mind after deletion. If you’re inside the grace period, log in and press Cancel deletion—your profile should return.
Short summary
- Deactivation hides your profile and is reversible; deletion is permanent after a short grace period.
- Use Accounts Center → Account ownership and control on web, iPhone, or Android.
- Export your data and transfer Page admin before you pull the plug.
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