How to Delete Your Facebook Account

Before you start

• Deletion is different from deactivation. Deactivation is temporary. Deletion is intended to be permanent.
• Download anything you want to keep before you delete the account.
• Some connected logins, pages, or apps may stop working after deletion.
• You usually have a short cancellation window after requesting deletion, but you should still treat this as a sensitive action.

Steps on mobile

1. Open Facebook and tap the menu.
2. Open Settings & privacy, then Settings.
3. Tap Accounts Center.
4. Tap Personal details.
5. Tap Account ownership and control.
6. Tap Deactivation or deletion.
7. Select the Facebook account you want to remove if Facebook asks.
8. Choose Delete account.
9. Tap Continue.
10. Review the warning screens, enter your password, and confirm.

Steps on desktop

1. Sign in to Facebook in your browser.
2. Open Settings & privacy, then Settings.
3. Click Accounts Center.
4. Click Personal details.
5. Click Account ownership and control.
6. Click Deactivation or deletion.
7. Select the account.
8. Choose Delete account.
9. Click Continue, review the warning screens, then confirm with your password.

Common problems

I only see deactivate, not delete

The delete option is on the same Deactivation or deletion screen. Tap the account first if Facebook shows you a list of profiles.

I changed my mind after submitting deletion

Facebook says you can usually cancel within 30 days by signing back in and choosing Cancel deletion.

I use Facebook to sign in to other apps

Change those logins before deleting the account, or you may lose access to those services.

FAQ

Does Facebook delete everything immediately?

No. Facebook says you can usually cancel within 30 days, and full removal of all data may take longer.

Should I download my information first?

Yes. If you want copies of photos, messages, or account data, download them before deleting the account.

Can I delete Facebook but keep Instagram?

That depends on how your accounts are connected in Meta Account Center. Review linked accounts before you confirm deletion.

Will deleting Facebook also delete Messenger?

Yes. Facebook says you will no longer be able to use Messenger after the account is deleted.

Official source note

Facebook has moved most account removal settings into Accounts Center, but the help article also lists the fallback path through classic Facebook settings.