How to Delete Facebook Account – Step by Step Guide

How to
Written By Mahmoud Fall
Black and white illustration of a toilet with a Facebook logo symbol appearing to be discarded.

Facebook has become a huge part of our lives, but sometimes you may feel it’s time to step away—whether permanently or just for a break. Luckily, Meta makes it possible to delete Facebook account or simply deactivate Facebook if you prefer something temporary.

Below, you’ll find simple instructions for both options.

1. Decide: Delete or Deactivate?

Before you act, it’s important to understand the difference:

  • Deactivate Facebook account → This is temporary. Your profile is hidden, but you can log back in anytime and everything will be restored.

  • Delete Facebook account → This is permanent. Once confirmed, all your posts, photos, and data will be erased. You can’t recover them later.

If you only want a short break, learn how to deactivate Facebook. But if you’re ready to move on, here’s how to delete your Facebook account permanently.

2. How to Delete Facebook (Permanently)

Step 1: Log into your Facebook account on desktop or mobile.
Step 2: Click the down arrow (top right on desktop) or the menu icon (☰) on mobile.
Step 3: Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings.
Step 4: On the left panel, choose Your Facebook Information.
Step 5: Select Deactivation and Deletion.
Step 6: Choose Delete Facebook Account.
Step 7: Click Continue to Account Deletion.
Step 8: Confirm with your password and click Delete Account.

✅ That’s it! Facebook will first deactivate your account for 30 days. If you don’t log back in during that time, your account will be permanently erased.

3. How to Deactivate Facebook (Temporary)

If you just want to step away without losing everything:

Step 1: Open Facebook and go to Settings & Privacy → Settings.
Step 2: Click Your Facebook Information.
Step 3: Select Deactivation and Deletion.
Step 4: Choose Deactivate Account and follow the prompts.

This will deactivate Facebook until you log in again.

4. How to Delete Facebook Account on Phone (Android/iPhone)

  • On Android: Open the Facebook app → Menu (☰) → Settings → Personal & Account Information → Account Ownership → Deactivation and Deletion.

  • On iPhone: Menu (☰) → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Ownership → Deactivation and Deletion.

Choose either Delete Facebook account or Deactivate Facebook account, depending on your choice.

5. Extra Options

  • Want to remove only a business or fan page? Learn how to delete a Facebook page.

  • Want to disable Facebook without deleting it? Use how to temporarily deactivate Facebook.

  • Need to do it in Spanish? Search “como eliminar una cuenta de Facebook” for localized instructions.

6. FAQs

  • How do I delete my Facebook account? → Follow steps in section 2.

  • How do I deactivate my Facebook account? → Follow section 3.

  • How to delete Facebook profile permanently? → Same as deleting the account; all profiles linked will be removed.

  • Can I recover my account after deleting? → No, but deactivation lets you recover anytime.

🔑 Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly how to delete a Facebook account or deactivate Facebook temporarily. Whether you want a permanent digital detox or just a short break, the process is straightforward.

👉 Pro tip: Download your photos and data before hitting Delete—once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

Mahmoud Fall