If you want to delete your Facebook account, you have two options: permanent deletion or deactivation. It’s solely up to you to delete your account permanently or only for a while. You must possess the data for your permanent account deletion. Once you remove your profile, it can never become active again. As such, all content, such as pictures, videos, messages, etc., will be deleted unconditionally and irretrievably.
This implies that if one deletes his/her Facebook account he/she cannot use Facebook Messenger. Moreover, your account, as well as pages that you administer on Facebook, will also be deleted. Before deleting your account, ensure that you have transferred the control of these Pages to another person for them to remain functional.
If you use that same account for any other applications of service providers, then signing out permanently is going to cause that. You may lose any credits or rewards you have earned on these apps. Therefore, it’s recommended to change your login method on these apps before deleting your Facebook account.
How to delete your Facebook account permanently, follow these steps:
- Click on the main profile at the top right corner of your Facebook page.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” and then click “Settings”.
- Click “See more in the accounts center” in the left column.
- Tap Personal details.
- Tap Account ownership and control.
- Click “Deactivation and Deletion”.
- Choose “Delete Account” and then click “Continue to Account Deletion”.
- Enter your password and click “Continue”.
Please note that If you delete your Facebook account, you can’t get it back. You also can’t use Facebook Messenger or Facebook login for other apps like Spotify or Pinterest. If you want those accounts back, you’ll have to contact those apps.
You have two options: Stop deleting your account or try to get it back within 30 days. After that, it’s gone forever. It may take up to 90 days to erase everything.
If you change your mind within 30 days, log in and click “Cancel Delete” to get your account back. This undoes the deletion of your Facebook account.
how to deactivate a Facebook account temporarily
If you don’t want to permanently delete your Facebook profile, you can temporarily deactivate it. In this case, your account, data, and content will remain intact, but your profile will become invisible to others. You can still use Messenger, but pages managed by your account will be disabled.
Here are the steps to deactivate your Facebook profile:
- Click on the main profile at the top right of Facebook.
- Select “Settings and Privacy” and then click “Settings.”
- Click “See more in the accounts center” in the left column.
- Tap Personal details.
- Tap Account ownership and control.
- Click “Deactivation and Deletion”.
- Select “Deactivate Account” and click “Next” and “Deactivate Account.”
- Follow the further instructions to confirm deactivation.
How do you delete or memorialize a deceased person’s Facebook account?
Deleting a Facebook account without login details is not possible. To delete an account, it’s important to have access to the relevant login details or set up a backup of the access data or a second email address. However, both of these options can only be set up if you are logged in.
In the case of a relative’s death, family members or estate administrators can choose to have the Facebook account deleted or memorialized. If the relatives do not have access to data and cannot delete the account themselves, proof in the form of a death certificate is required for deletion. Facebook may also accept wills or letters of inheritance as proof.
Frequently asked questions
When is a Facebook account deleted?
Facebook accounts are usually deleted only if the account owner initiates the process. However, Facebook can delete an account on its initiative if users violate the terms and conditions of the law. You can find out how to proceed if you want to permanently delete your Facebook account.
Can I just deactivate my Facebook account?
Yes, you can deactivate your Facebook account if you don’t want to delete it. The process is similar to deleting your account, but you choose a different option at the end. We have summarized the steps for deactivating your account here.
How can I delete my Facebook account without a password?
Deleting your Facebook profile without having the account password is usually not possible. The deletion must be confirmed by entering the password. Only in certain exceptions is it possible to delete a Facebook account without having access to it. You can read more about this here.