How to Delete a Facebook Account in 2026?
Facebook still has more than 3 billion monthly active users worldwide. Still, many people now choose to leave the platform. Some worry about privacy. Others want more focus and less screen time. Because of this, many users want to delete their Facebook accounts for good. This post is being written to guide you on how to delete a Facebook account permanently or temporarily.
Temporary Deactivation vs Permanent Deletion
Before you delete your Facebook account, it would be good to understand the difference between temporary deactivation and permanent deletion.
Temporary deletion means deactivation.
When you deactivate:
- Your profile becomes hidden.
- Posts stay saved.
- You can return anytime by logging in again.
This option works best if you need a break.
Permanent deletion removes your account forever.
When you delete:
- Your profile disappears.
- Photos and posts get erased.
- You cannot recover the account after the grace period.
Choose this only if you feel sure.
How to Delete Your Facebook Account Easily?
So now you know the difference between temporary and permanent delete. Next are the practical steps that can help you delete a Facebook account easily.
How to Delete Facebook Account on iPhone?
You can delete your account directly from the Facebook app installed on your iPhone.
Here is how to delete a Facebook account on iPhone:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
- Tap the menu icon.
- Go to Settings and Privacy.
- Open Account ownership and control.
- Select Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose Delete account.
- Confirm with your password.
Your deletion request now stays active, and Facebook will give you a few days to log back in to avoid the deletion.
How to Delete Facebook Account on Android?
Android users can follow similar steps.
Here is how to delete Facebook account on Android:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the three line menu.
- Open Settings and privacy.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Account ownership and control.
- Tap Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose Delete account.
- Confirm the action.
The process works the same across most Android devices.
How to Delete Facebook Account on Computer?
You can delete your Facebook account easily from a desktop or laptop. Just follow these simple steps in order.
- Open your browser and go to Facebook.
- Log in to your account.
- Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Click Settings and privacy.
- Select Settings.
- Click Accounts Center from the left side.
- Open Personal details.
- Click Account ownership and control.
- Select Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose your Facebook account.
- Select Delete account.
- Enter your password and confirm.
That is it. Facebook now starts the deletion process.
How Permanent Facebook Deletion Works?
After you confirm deletion, Facebook gives you a 30 day grace period.
During this time:
- Your account stays hidden.
- You can cancel deletion by logging in.
After 30 days:
- Facebook permanently deletes your account.
- The removal process may take up to 90 days.
- Some backup data may stay longer for legal reasons.
Once finished, recovery becomes impossible.
What to Do Before You Delete Your Facebook Account?
Before you continue, take a few minutes to prepare.
You should:
- Download your Facebook data.
- Save photos and videos.
- Check apps linked to Facebook login.
- Inform close contacts if needed.
These steps help you avoid regret later.
What Happens After You Delete Facebook?
After deletion:
- Your profile no longer appears in search.
- Messages may still show to others without your name.
- You lose access to Messenger.
Therefore, make sure you are ready before final confirmation.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to delete a Facebook account on phone or a laptop. You also understand the difference between temporary deactivation and permanent deletion. Whether you use an iPhone, Android, or any phone, the steps remain simple. Take your time. Choose the option that fits your needs. Then move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recover your Facebook account after deletion?
Yes, you can recover your Facebook account, but only within 30 days after you start the deletion process. During this time, Facebook hides your account but does not remove it fully. If you log in again within these 30 days, Facebook cancels the deletion request. After the 30 day period ends, Facebook permanently deletes your account. Once this happens, you cannot recover the account in any way.
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting a Facebook account?
Deactivating a Facebook account is temporary, while deleting a Facebook account is permanent. When you deactivate your account, your profile disappears, but Facebook saves your data. You can reactivate the account anytime by logging in again. When you permanently delete your Facebook account, Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and videos forever. You cannot undo this action after the grace period.
How long does Facebook take to permanently delete an account?
Facebook first gives you a 30 day cancellation window after you confirm deletion. During this time, you can stop the process by logging in again. After 30 days, Facebook starts removing your data from its systems. This process can take up to 90 days. During this time, your data stays hidden from other users.
Does deleting a Facebook account also delete Messenger?
Yes, when you permanently delete your Facebook account, Messenger also gets deleted. You lose access to all chats, contacts, and message history. However, if you only deactivate your Facebook account, you may still use Messenger if you choose that option. Therefore, always check your choice before confirming deletion.
Will my Facebook data disappear immediately after deletion?
No, your Facebook data does not disappear right away. Facebook hides your profile as soon as you confirm deletion. However, photos, videos, and posts remain in Facebook systems while the deletion process runs. After the process ends, Facebook removes the data permanently, except for limited backups kept for legal and security reasons.
Can people still see my messages after I delete my Facebook account?
Yes, people may still see messages you sent in the past. However, your name will not appear with those messages. Facebook shows them as coming from a deleted account. Your profile, posts, and timeline will no longer be visible.