How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account in 2025
Complete step-by-step guide to permanently delete your Facebook account, remove all your data, posts, photos, and messages forever. Updated for Meta's latest interface changes.
Important: This Action is Permanent
- Time required: 5 minutes to initiate, 30-120 days to complete
- Data loss: All posts, photos, videos, messages, comments, and likes will be permanently deleted
- Recovery period: 30 days to cancel deletion, after that it's irreversible
- Associated services: Messenger, Facebook Dating, and Facebook Pay will also be deleted
📋 Before You Delete: Essential Checklist
- Download your Facebook data: Get a copy of your photos, posts, messages, and memories
- Save important contacts: Export friend lists and contact information
- Update linked accounts: Change login methods for apps using "Login with Facebook"
- Notify close friends: Let important contacts know you're leaving and share alternative contact info
- Remove Facebook from apps: Disconnect third-party apps linked to your Facebook account
- Consider Pages/Groups: Transfer admin rights for any Pages or Groups you manage
Step-by-Step Deletion Process
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Step 1: Access Facebook Settings
Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of Facebook (desktop) or tap the menu icon (mobile). Select Settings & privacy, then click Settings.
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Step 2: Navigate to Accounts Center
In the Accounts Center section, locate and click on Personal details, then select Account ownership and control. This is where Meta centralizes account management across Facebook, Instagram, and other services.
Step 3: Select Deletion Option
Click on Deactivation or deletion. You'll see your connected accounts. Select your Facebook account, then choose Delete account (not deactivate). This is the critical step where you choose permanent deletion.
Step 4: Confirm Permanent Deletion
Click Continue and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll need to enter your password and may need to complete a security check. Facebook will show a final warning about what you'll lose - review this carefully before confirming.
📅 What Happens After You Delete
Timeline of Deletion Process
- Immediately: Your profile becomes invisible to other users
- Days 1-30: Grace period - you can cancel deletion by logging in
- Day 31: Permanent deletion begins, account recovery impossible
- Days 31-90: Data removed from backup systems and servers
What Gets Deleted vs. What Remains
✓ Completely Deleted
- Profile information
- Photos and videos you uploaded
- Posts and status updates
- Messages in your inbox
- Friend connections
- Page likes and group memberships
⚠ May Remain Visible
- Messages you sent to others
- Some log records (not associated with you)
- Copies others made of your content
- Comments on others' posts (as "Facebook User")
🔄 Alternatives to Permanent Deletion
If you're not ready for permanent deletion, consider these options:
Deactivate Instead
Temporarily disable your account. Your profile won't be visible, but you can reactivate anytime by logging in.
Take a Break
Use Facebook's "Take a Break" feature to limit what you see from specific people without unfriending them.
Limit Your Time
Set daily time limits in Facebook's "Your Time on Facebook" settings to reduce usage without deleting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between deactivating and deleting my Facebook account?
Deactivation is temporary and reversible - your profile becomes hidden but all data remains intact. You can reactivate anytime by logging in. Deletion is permanent - after a 30-day grace period, your account and all associated data are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
Can I download my Facebook data before deleting?
Yes, and you should! Go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Your Facebook information > Download profile information. You can download your photos, posts, messages, friend list, and more in HTML or JSON format. Start this process before initiating deletion as it may take hours or days for large accounts.
How long does it take for my Facebook account to be permanently deleted?
The process has two phases: First, a 30-day grace period where you can cancel deletion by logging in. After 30 days, permanent deletion begins and can take up to 90 additional days to remove all data from backup systems. Total time: up to 120 days for complete removal.
What happens to my Messenger after deleting Facebook?
Messenger is tied to your Facebook account and will also be deleted. Your messages will disappear from your inbox, but messages you sent to others will remain in their inboxes with your name showing as "Facebook User". Consider informing important contacts before deletion.
Can I delete Facebook but keep Instagram or WhatsApp?
Yes! Although all owned by Meta, these are separate accounts. However, if they're linked through Meta's Accounts Center, you'll need to unlink them first. Go to Accounts Center > Accounts > Remove account for the Facebook account only.
Will deleting Facebook affect my Oculus/Meta Quest account?
If your VR account is linked to Facebook, deletion may affect access. Meta now offers standalone Meta accounts for VR. Before deleting Facebook, either unlink your VR account or migrate to a Meta account through your headset settings.
Can I use apps that require "Login with Facebook" after deletion?
No, you'll lose access to any apps or websites where you use Facebook login. Before deleting, create separate accounts for important services using email/password login instead.
What happens to Pages and Groups I manage?
If you're the only admin, these will be left without management and may eventually be deleted. Transfer admin rights to trusted people before deleting your account. For Groups, promote another member to admin; for Pages, add another admin through Page settings.
Can Facebook still track me after I delete my account?
After deletion is complete, Facebook shouldn't have data tied to you as an individual. However, they may still collect anonymous browsing data through Facebook pixels and social plugins on other websites. Use privacy-focused browsers and extensions to limit tracking.
Is there a way to delete Facebook from my phone but keep it on desktop?
You can't partially delete an account, but you can uninstall the mobile app while keeping your account active. This reduces mobile usage while maintaining desktop access. Go to your phone's settings to uninstall the Facebook app.