How can I delete my Facebook account permanently?
DELETING Facebook is actually a pretty simple process and it doesn't always have to be gone forever.
Here's the simple steps you need to take if you want to delete your Facebook account permanently, or just temporarily.
What's the difference between deleting vs deactivating Facebook?
If you feel like you need a break from Facebook but don't want to delete your account forever then deactivation is the way to go.
This may be inspired by the latest outage leading to a need for a longer break or maybe you just need to get rid of the distraction for a while.
The good thing about deactivation is that you can get back into your account if you change your mind.
According to Facebook's official guidance, deactivation means:
- You can reactivate your account whenever you like
- People won't be able to see your timeline, or search for your profile
- Some info will remain visible, like messages you've sent to other users
Most read in Tech
Deletion is a much more serious process, and will permanently scrub your entire Facebook existence from the company's servers.
It may be what you're looking for if you're worried about the safety of your info.
When you delete your Facebook account, it means:
- You can't regain access once the account is deleted
- Deletion is delayed for a few days after the request. Your deletion request will be cancelled if you log back in during this time
- It can take up to 90 days for Facebook to delete your data stored in backup systems. Your info won't be accessible on Facebook during this time
- Some things aren't stored in your account. This means some friends might have messages from you, even after your account is deleted
- Some materials (like Facebook's own log records) may be retained in Facebook's databases, but they'll be disassociated from personal identifiers (like your name)
Once your Facebook account is deleted, it's gone forever – so have a long, hard think about it before you close your Facebook profile for good.
How to deactivate your Facebook account
Deactivating your Facebook account is easy and takes just a few seconds. Here's what you need to do.
- Log in to your Facebook account
- Click the small down arrow located in the upper right-hand corner of your Facebook homepage
- Find 'Settings' and click on it
- Hover over 'Manage Account' and click on 'Edit'
- Click on 'Deactivate your account' at the bottom of the opened tab
- Complete the form and click 'Deactivate' at bottom of the page
If you change your mind and want to reactivate your Facebook account, all you have to do is log back into Facebook with your details.
Your profile and account will be restored and you will not have lost anything.
How to delete a Facebook account permanently
If you want to permanently delete Facebook, the social network has a page dedicated to the process.
There is no going back from permanently deleting Facebook though, so it is a good idea to back up all of your data first.
This means that if you decide you want Facebook back in the future, you will not have lost all of your photos, contacts, and other information.
Follow these easy steps to download your Facebook data.
- Click the down arrow at the top right of any Facebook page and select Settings
- Click "Download a copy of your Facebook data" at the bottom of the General Account Settings
- Click Start My Archive
To delete Facebook once and for all, simply head over to Facebook's and follow the instructions provided.
Your archive will probably be very large, as it includes posts, comments, photos, messages, and much more.
Because this download includes all of your profile information, it's important to keep it secure, as it could potentially be used by fraudsters if it fell into the wrong hands.
You can find a full list of the information available to download on Facebook's FAQ page.
- Read all the latest Phones & Gadgets news
- Keep up-to-date on Apple stories
- Get the latest on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered...
- How to get your deleted Instagram photos back
- How to track someone on Google Maps
- How can I increase my Snapchat score?
- How can I change my Facebook password?
- How can I do a duet on TikTok?
- Here's how to see if your Gmail has been hacked
- How can I change my Amazon Alexa voice in seconds?
- What is dating app Bumble?
- How can I test my broadband internet speed?
- Here's how to find your Sky TV remote in SECONDS
In other news, check out our iPhone 13 review and iPhone 13 Pro review.
Take a look at the new Lamborghini Huracan Evo that can clean your house and cook you dinner.
Find out about the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.
Read our complete guide to Call of Duty Vanguard.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]