How To Permanently Delete A Facebook Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 18, 2025

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Deleting your Facebook account is a permanent action, removing all your data, photos, and posts from the platform. If you’re certain you no longer wish to use Facebook, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of permanently deleting your account, ensuring a clean break from the social media giant. Remember that this is different from deactivating your account, which is a temporary suspension.

This step-by-step approach will help you navigate the Facebook settings and understand the implications of permanent deletion. We’ll cover everything from backing up your data to confirming the deletion request, ensuring you’re fully informed before taking this irreversible step.

Ready to Say Goodbye? Here’s How to Delete Your Facebook Account Forever

Before You Delete: Download Your Facebook Data

It’s crucial to download a copy of your Facebook data before deleting your account, as this information will be permanently inaccessible afterward.

Go to Facebook Settings: Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy,” then click “Settings.”
Access Your Facebook Information: In the left column, click “Your Facebook Information.”
Download Your Information: Click “Download Your Information.”
Choose Your Download Options: Select the type of information you want to download, the date range, and the format (HTML or JSON). HTML is easier to view, while JSON is better for importing into other services.
Request the Download: Click “Request a Download.” Facebook will notify you when your download is ready.
Download the File: Once notified, return to the “Download Your Information” section and download the file.

Initiating the Permanent Deletion Process

Now that you’ve backed up your data, you can proceed with permanently deleting your Facebook account.

Go to Facebook Settings: Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy,” then click “Settings.”
Access Your Facebook Information: In the left column, click “Your Facebook Information.”
Select Deactivation and Deletion: Click “Deactivation and Deletion.”
Choose “Delete Account”: Select “Delete Account” and click “Continue to Account Deletion.”
Review the Information: Facebook will present information about deactivating versus deleting, and the consequences of deletion.
Confirm Deletion: Click “Delete Account,” enter your password, and click “Continue.”
Final Confirmation: Click “Delete Account” to confirm the permanent deletion.

Understanding the Grace Period

Facebook provides a grace period (typically 30 days) during which you can cancel the deletion request. If you log back into your account during this period, the deletion process will be canceled, and your account will be reactivated.

Avoid Logging In: To ensure permanent deletion, refrain from logging into your Facebook account for the entire grace period.
After the Grace Period: Once the grace period expires, your account and all its information will be permanently deleted and unrecoverable.

Tips for a Smooth Deletion

Inform Your Friends: Let your friends know you’re deleting your account, so they can stay in touch through other means.
Disconnect Apps: Before deleting, disconnect any apps or websites that use Facebook to log in.
Consider Deactivation First: If you’re unsure about permanent deletion, consider deactivating your account temporarily.
Double-Check Your Download: Ensure you’ve downloaded all the necessary data before proceeding with the deletion.

Comparing Deactivation and Deletion

Feature	Deactivation	Deletion
Account Status	Temporarily disabled	Permanently removed
Visibility	Profile hidden from other users	Profile and all data permanently deleted
Data Retention	Data is retained by Facebook	Data is permanently deleted after grace period
Reversibility	Can be reactivated by logging back in	Irreversible after grace period
Messenger Access	Can still use Messenger	Messenger access is lost

Getting Rid of Facebook For Good

Deleting your Facebook account is a significant step towards reclaiming your online privacy and digital well-being. By following these steps, you can ensure a complete and permanent removal from the platform.

FAQ

What happens to my photos and videos after I delete my Facebook account? They are permanently deleted from Facebook’s servers and cannot be recovered.

How long does it take for Facebook to completely delete my account? It can take up to 90 days for Facebook to completely delete all your data from their systems, although it will be inaccessible to other users much sooner.

Can I delete my Facebook account from the mobile app? Yes, the process is similar on the mobile app. Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Deactivation and Deletion.

What if I log back into Facebook during the 30-day grace period? Your deletion request will be canceled, and your account will be reactivated.

Will my friends still see my old posts after I delete my account? No, all your posts, photos, and other content will be permanently deleted and inaccessible to your friends.