If you want to take a break from Facebook or leave it entirely, you have two main options:

  • Deactivate your Facebook account (temporary, reversible)
  • Delete your Facebook account (permanent, not easily reversible)

This guide explains both, step by step, on desktop and mobile, and answers common questions about what happens to your data.

# 1. Deactivating vs Deleting Facebook: What’s the Difference?

Before you change anything, it’s important to know what each option does.

# Deactivating your Facebook account

Deactivation is temporary. When you deactivate:

  • Your profile is hidden from most other people.
  • Your name and photos disappear from most things you’ve shared on your timeline.
  • Messages you’ve sent (e.g., in Messenger) may still be visible to others.
  • You can still use Messenger if you choose to.
  • You can reactivate anytime by logging back in with your email/phone and password.

Official help page from Meta:
https://www.facebook.com/help/214376678584711

# Deleting your Facebook account

Deletion is meant to be permanent. When you delete:

  • Your profile, posts, photos and videos are scheduled for permanent removal.
  • You lose access to Facebook Login for apps and websites that use your Facebook account (e.g., some games, services).
  • Messenger and your messages are affected; some messages may remain visible to others even after deletion, but your account is removed.
  • Facebook allows a short grace period (usually 30 days) if you log in after requesting deletion, during which you can cancel the deletion.

Official help page:
https://www.facebook.com/help/224562897555674

# 2. How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account (Desktop)

Follow these steps on a computer browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).

  1. Log in to Facebook
    Go to https://www.facebook.com and log in.

  2. Open Settings

    • Click your profile picture or the downward arrow at the top-right corner.
    • Click Settings & privacy.
    • Then click Settings.

  3. Go to Deactivation & Deletion
    Facebook’s menus change over time, but typically you’ll find the option here:

    • In the left sidebar, click Your Facebook information.
    • Look for Deactivation and deletion and click View or Edit.

    Direct link (when logged in):
    https://www.facebook.com/deactivate_delete_account

  4. Choose “Deactivate account”

    • Select Deactivate account.
    • Click Continue to Account Deactivation.

  5. Confirm your choice

    • Facebook may ask for your password.
    • You might be shown options like:
      • Keep using Messenger
      • Opt out of emails/notifications
      • Give a reason for leaving
    • Adjust as desired, then click Deactivate (or Continue, then Deactivate).

Your account is now deactivated. You can log back in anytime to reactivate.

# 3. How to Deactivate Facebook on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

These steps are similar for the Facebook app on Android and iOS.

  1. Open the Facebook app and log in if needed.

  2. Go to the menu

    • Tap the three horizontal lines (☰), usually in the top-right (Android) or bottom-right (iOS).

  3. Open Settings & Privacy

    • Scroll down and tap Settings & privacy.
    • Tap Settings.

  4. Find Account Ownership and Control

    • Scroll to Accounts Center or Account settings, then look for:
      • Personal details or
      • Account ownership and control
    • Tap Account ownership and control.

  5. Deactivate or Delete

    • Tap Deactivation or deletion.
    • Select the account you want to manage (if you have more than one).
    • Choose Deactivate account and tap Continue.

  6. Confirm deactivation

    • Follow the prompts (reason, notification preferences, Messenger choice).
    • Tap Deactivate account to finish.

Your Facebook account will now be deactivated on all devices, not just your phone.

# 4. How to Reactivate a Deactivated Facebook Account

Reactivation is simple:

  1. Visit https://www.facebook.com or open the Facebook app.
  2. Log in using the same email/phone and password.
  3. If you had two-factor authentication, complete that step.

Your profile should be active again. If you changed your email or phone before deactivation, use the latest credentials you remember.

If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot password?” link on the login page:
https://www.facebook.com/login/identify

# 5. How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account

If you’ve decided you don’t want Facebook at all, you can request full account deletion.

# Backup your data first (recommended)

Before deleting, consider downloading your data:

  1. On desktop, go to Settings → Your Facebook information.
  2. Click Download your information.
    Direct link (logged in): https://www.facebook.com/dyi
  3. Choose:
    • Date range
    • Format (HTML or JSON)
    • Media quality (high/medium/low)
  4. Click Create File and wait for Facebook to prepare the download.

# Delete your account (desktop steps)

  1. Log in to Facebook on a browser.
  2. Open Settings & privacy → Settings.
  3. Go to Your Facebook information.
  4. Click Deactivation and deletion.
    Or go directly (when logged in): https://www.facebook.com/deactivate_delete_account
  5. Select Delete account then click Continue to account deletion.
  6. Review the warnings:
    • Loss of access to Facebook
    • Possible loss of access to apps using Facebook Login
    • Option to download info or manage pages
  7. Click Delete account, enter your password, and confirm.

# Delete your account (mobile steps)

  1. Open the Facebook app.
  2. Tap the menu (☰) → Settings & privacy → Settings.
  3. Tap Account ownership and control.
  4. Tap Deactivation or deletion.
  5. Select your account, then choose Delete account.
  6. Tap Continue and follow the prompts until the deletion is confirmed.

# 6. What Happens After You Delete Facebook?

Once you request deletion:

  • Your account is deactivated immediately and queued for deletion.
  • Facebook generally gives a grace period (commonly 30 days, but check the current policy) where:
    • If you log back in, you can cancel the deletion.
    • If you don’t log in, deletion continues.
  • Some information (like messages you sent to others) may remain visible to other people even after your account is removed.
  • Facebook may keep certain records for legal, security, and integrity reasons, as explained in their Data Policy:
    https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy

# 7. Common Questions About Deactivating Facebook

# Can people still see my messages if I deactivate?

Yes. Messages you’ve sent remain visible in the recipients’ inboxes even if your account is deactivated or deleted. They may see your name as plain text (not clickable) or a generic profile label.

# Can I still use Messenger if I deactivate my Facebook account?

Yes, if you choose to. During deactivation, Facebook asks if you’d like to continue using Messenger. If you agree:

  • You will still appear in Messenger.
  • People can message you, and you can reply.
  • Your Facebook profile remains deactivated.

You can also manage Messenger settings separately in the Messenger app.

# Do my photos and posts disappear when I deactivate?

They are hidden from most other users, but not deleted. When you reactivate, your timeline generally returns to how it was, including friends, photos, and posts, unless you removed them beforehand.

# Will I lose my pages and groups?

  • If you’re the only admin of a page, deleting your account may cause that page to be unmanaged or removed.
  • If other admins exist, they keep control.
  • Deactivation usually leaves pages/groups still active, but your personal role becomes inactive until you reactivate.

Consider transferring admin rights before deleting:
https://www.facebook.com/help/187316341316631

# 8. Extra Privacy Tips Before You Deactivate or Delete

If your main goal is more privacy or less data sharing, you may not need to fully delete your account. You can:

These steps can reduce your visibility and data footprint without fully losing your account.

# 9. Summary: Choosing the Right Option for You

  • Choose deactivation if:

    • You want a temporary break.
    • You might come back later.
    • You still want to use Messenger.

  • Choose deletion if:

    • You’re sure you don’t want to use Facebook again.
    • You’re comfortable losing access to linked apps and services.
    • You’ve downloaded and backed up any photos or data you want to keep.

For the most accurate, up-to-date instructions, check Facebook’s own help articles:

By following the steps above, you can confidently deactivate or delete your Facebook account and take control of your online presence.