Tech

How to Permanently Delete a Facebook Account

How to Permanently Delete a Facebook Account

Fact-checked on

In this article
  1. Before You Start
  2. Deletion Steps
  3. After the Request
  4. Sources and useful links

Deleting a Facebook account is different from temporarily deactivating it. Deactivation lets you take a break; deletion starts the permanent removal process.

Removing the app from your phone is not the same as deleting your account.

Before You Start

Download information you want to keep. Check any other apps or websites that use Facebook for login and arrange another way to access them.

Deletion Steps

  1. Sign in and open Settings & privacy, then Settings.
  2. Open Accounts Centre.
  3. Select Personal details, then Account ownership and control.
  4. Choose Deactivation or deletion and select the intended Facebook account.
  5. Select Delete account and follow the confirmation prompts.

The exact layout can differ by device. If these options are not visible, use Facebook’s Help Centre from inside your account and look for its account-deletion instructions.

After the Request

Read the confirmation carefully and keep a record. The eSafety guidance describes a 30-day period in which a deletion request can be cancelled; check the notice shown to your account for the applicable deadline.

Warning: Choose the correct account and download wanted material before confirming. Do not select deactivation if your intention is permanent deletion.

Tip: If you only want time away, review the deactivation option and its effect on linked services before deciding.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *