How to Delete Facebook Account Permanently (2025 Guide)

Are you ready to take control of your digital privacy and permanently delete your Facebook account? Whether it’s because of privacy concerns, a need to reduce screen time, or simply a desire to step away from social media, many users are choosing to say goodbye to Facebook in 2025.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:

  • The difference between deactivating and deleting your account

  • What happens when you permanently delete your Facebook account

  • How to back up your Facebook data

  • Step-by-step instructions to delete your account from desktop and mobile

  • Tips to ensure your data is fully removed

  • FAQs and common issues users face

  • How to delete Facebook-linked apps and services

Let’s dive in!

Deactivating vs. Deleting Your Facebook Account

Before we go further, let’s clarify the two available options:

FeatureDeactivate AccountDelete Account Permanently
Temporary✅❌
Can reactivate anytime✅❌
Profile hidden from others✅✅
Keeps Messenger access✅❌
Deletes all data❌✅
Time to reverse decisionN/A30 days

Important: If you’re unsure, start with deactivation. You can always come back and delete later.

What Happens When You Delete Your Facebook Account Permanently?

When you choose to delete your Facebook account permanently:

  • You lose access to your profile, photos, posts, videos, and everything else you’ve added.

  • You cannot reactivate the account.

  • Messages you sent remain visible to friends.

  • Pages you solely manage are deleted.

  • Facebook backups and data copies are erased within 90 days.

Step 1: Back Up Your Facebook Data

Before deleting, download a copy of your data, including photos, messages, and more.

Here’s how to download your Facebook data:

  1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.

  2. Select Your Facebook Information on the left.

  3. Click Download your information.

  4. Choose Date range, Format (HTML or JSON), and Media Quality.

  5. Select the data types (Photos, Comments, Messages, etc.).

  6. Click Create File.

  7. Facebook will notify you once the file is ready.

Step 2: Delete Facebook Account Permanently (Desktop)

Follow these steps:

  1. Open https://www.facebook.com/settings.

  2. Click Your Facebook Information.

  3. Choose Deactivation and Deletion.

  4. Select Delete Account, then click Continue to Account Deletion.

  5. Enter your password to confirm.

  6. Click Delete Account.

✅ You’ll have 30 days to cancel deletion. After that, your data is gone forever.

Step 3: Delete Facebook Account Permanently (Mobile App)

On Android/iOS:

  1. Open the Facebook App.

  2. Tap the menu icon (☰).

  3. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.

  4. Tap Personal and account information.

  5. Tap Account ownership and control.

  6. Tap Deactivation and deletion.

  7. Choose Delete Account and continue.

  8. Enter your password and confirm.

Step 4: Remove Facebook App & Messenger

Deleting your account doesn’t automatically remove the apps from your device. Do this manually:

  • Android: Long press the app > Tap Uninstall.

  • iOS: Tap and hold the app > Tap the X or choose Remove App.

Also uninstall Facebook Messenger, which works separately from the main app.

Step 6: Delete Facebook Login from Third-Party Apps

If you’ve used “Login with Facebook” for apps like Spotify or Instagram:

  • Go to Settings > Apps and Websites

  • Remove all apps using Facebook Login.

  • Visit those apps and update your login method (email/password or Google login).

Step 7: Clear Facebook Cache from Browsers

Even after deletion, browser cache may retain some of your activity.

Clear Facebook cookies:

  • In Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data

  • In Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Manage Data

Step 8: Wait 30 Days Without Logging In

After requesting account deletion, Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind. If you log in during this period, deletion is canceled.

So stay logged out until you receive confirmation that your account has been permanently deleted.

Common Questions About Deleting Facebook (FAQ)

Q1. Can I recover my Facebook account after deletion?

No. Once 30 days pass after requesting deletion, the account is permanently removed and cannot be recovered.

Q2. Will people still see my messages?

Yes. Messages you sent to others will remain in their inbox unless they delete them.

Q3. Can I delete Messenger without deleting Facebook?

You can deactivate Messenger separately only if your Facebook account is deactivated. You cannot delete Messenger alone.

Q4. How do I delete a Facebook Page?

Before deleting your main account, go to each Page > Settings > Remove Page > Delete Page.

Q5. Does deleting my Facebook account delete Instagram and WhatsApp too?

No. You must delete those accounts separately, even though they are owned by Meta.