Deactivate or delete Facebook: what each does and what you lose

What to do first

Download your information first, including photos, posts and messages. Then check three things that depend on your profile: Pages you manage, apps and sites where you log in with Facebook, and Messenger conversations you want to keep.

Step 1: Deactivation

Deactivating is temporary. Your profile is hidden, but the posts and photos remain stored. You can reactivate by logging back in. Facebook says you can keep using Messenger while the profile is deactivated and friends can still message you.

Step 2: Deletion

Deleting is permanent. After the cancellation window, your account and information are removed and can’t be recovered. Facebook says you can cancel by logging in and choosing Cancel deletion within 30 days, though the window can vary by region. Deletion also ends access to Messenger, though messages you sent may remain visible to others.

Step 3: Where to do it

Open Settings, go to Accounts Center, then Personal details and Account ownership and control, and choose Deactivation or deletion. Select the profile and follow the prompts. Wording may differ slightly in your version.

Step 4: Protect what depends on you

• Make another full-control admin on each Page before you leave, so it isn’t left without one.
• Switch apps that use “Log in with Facebook” to email logins first.
• Move important conversations and files out of Messenger.
• Tell friends how to reach you.

Before you go: a short checklist

Run through it once, and you’ll avoid the most common regrets:

• Download a copy of your information from Accounts Center and confirm the file opens.
• List every site or app where you signed in with Facebook and move each to an email login.
• Check for Pages, groups and ad accounts you admin. Add a replacement admin or transfer ownership.
• Tell people where else to reach you.
• If you sell on Marketplace or take payments, finish open orders.

Deactivation is the safer first move. If after a few weeks you still want to leave, you can come back and delete.

What not to do

• Don’t log in during the deletion window unless you want to cancel it.
• Don’t delete to escape a restriction. It doesn’t clear it and you can’t return.
• Don’t delete an account that is your only admin of a business Page.

If you change your mind

During deactivation or the deletion window, logging in restores things. After deletion completes, there’s no way back, so be certain you no longer need what’s in the account.