Before you start
- Your Facebook password
- Access to the email address or phone number on your account
- A copy of your photos and posts, if you want to keep them
Method 1 Delete your account in the Facebook app
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Step 1: Open the menu
Open the Facebook app and tap your profile picture or the menu icon (☰). On iPhone it’s at the bottom right; on Android it’s at the top right.
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Step 2: Open Settings
Tap the gear icon, or tap Settings & privacy and then Settings.
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Step 3: Go to Accounts Center
Tap Accounts Center, then Personal details.
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Step 4: Choose Account ownership and control
Tap Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion.
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Step 5: Select Delete account
Choose the Facebook account you want to remove, select Delete account and tap Continue.
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Step 6: Confirm with your password
Follow the prompts, enter your password and tap Delete account. Facebook will log you out.
Method 2 Delete your account on a computer
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Step 1: Open Facebook settings
Go to facebook.com, sign in, click your profile picture at the top right and choose Settings & privacy > Settings.
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Step 2: Open Accounts Center
Click Accounts Center in the menu on the left, then Personal details.
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Step 3: Choose Deactivation or deletion
Click Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion and select your Facebook account.
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Step 4: Delete the account
Select Delete account, click Continue and follow the prompts. Enter your password to confirm.
| What happens | Deactivate | Delete |
|---|---|---|
| Can you come back? | Yes, at any time | Only within 30 days |
| Others can see your profile | No | No |
| Messenger keeps working | Yes | No |
| Your data | Kept by Facebook | Deleted (can take up to 90 days) |
Troubleshooting
I can’t find Accounts Center
Update the Facebook app from the App Store or Google Play, or use a web browser on a computer. Accounts Center is available in all current versions.
Facebook asks me to confirm my identity
Enter the code Facebook sends to your email or phone. If you no longer have access to them, update your contact details in Accounts Center first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to delete a Facebook account?
Facebook waits 30 days before it starts permanent deletion. Removing everything you’ve posted can take up to 90 days after that.
Can I cancel the deletion?
Yes. Log back in within 30 days and choose Cancel deletion.
Will deleting Facebook delete Messenger?
Yes. Once your Facebook account is deleted, you can no longer use Messenger with it.
Does deleting Facebook delete my Instagram account?
No. Even if your accounts are linked in Accounts Center, you choose which account to delete. Instagram stays unless you delete it separately.
Summary
To delete Facebook, go to Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion. Download your information first if you want to keep your photos and posts, and remember you have 30 days to change your mind.
