How to Permanently Delete a Facebook Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you considering permanently deleting your Facebook account? Whether you’re concerned about privacy and data security or want a break from social media, deleting your Facebook account is a significant decision.

Before you proceed, it’s essential to understand the difference between deleting and deactivating your account, back up your data, and follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth deletion process.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to permanently delete your Facebook account, along with important considerations before taking this irreversible step.

What to Do Before You Delete Your Facebook Account Permanently

Before deleting your Facebook account, you should take a few important steps to prevent losing important data or connections.

1. Backup Your Facebook Data

Facebook allows you to download a copy of your data, including:

Photos and videos

Messages and chat history

Friends list

Posts and comments

Page information (if you manage any pages)

Steps to Download Your Facebook Data:

1. Open Facebook Settings.
2. Click on Download Your Information under Settings & Privacy.
3. Select the data you want to back up.
4. Choose 'Download' or 'Transfer to Google Drive/Dropbox'.
5. Click Create File and wait for the backup to be ready.

2. Inform Your Friends & Family

If you regularly connect with friends and family on Facebook, consider letting them know about your decision and exchanging alternative contact details.

How to Delete Your Facebook Account Permanently

Once you have backed up your data, follow these step-by-step instructions to delete your Facebook account permanently:

Step 1: Open Settings & Privacy

• Log in to your Facebook account.
• Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
• Select Settings & Privacy > Accounts Center.

Step 2: Go to Account Ownership & Control

• In the Accounts Center, select Personal Details.
• Click on Account Ownership and Control.

Step 3: Choose Deactivation or Deletion

• Click on Deactivation and Deletion.
• Select the Facebook account you want to delete.

Step 4: Select "Permanently Delete Account."

• Choose Permanently Delete Account and continue.
• Facebook may ask you to provide a reason for deleting your account.

Step 5: Confirm and Enter Your Password

• Continue following the instructions until you reach the final confirmation screen.
• Enter your Facebook password and click Delete Account.

Note: Once you confirm the deletion, you will not be able to recover your Facebook account. Be sure before proceeding.

How to Reactivate a Deactivated Facebook Account

If you have only deactivated your Facebook account and want to reactivate it, follow these steps:

1. Visit Facebook (web or mobile App).
2. Log in with your email address, phone number, and password.
3. Complete security verification (if required).
4. Your account will be restored instantly.

Note: This feature is only available for deactivated accounts. If you permanently delete your account, recovery is impossible after 30 days.

How to Remove the Facebook App from Your Phone

If you want to stop using Facebook without deleting your account, you can uninstall the App:

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Facebook.
2. Tap Uninstall.

For iPhone Users:

1. Press and hold the Facebook app icon.
2. Tap Remove App> Delete App.

Conclusion

Deleting your Facebook account permanently is a big decision, and it's essential to back up your data before taking this step. Whether you're concerned about privacy and data security or want to take a break from social media, this guide ensures a smooth process.

FAQs

1. Can I recover my Facebook account after deleting it?

No, after 30 days, your Facebook account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

2. Where is the "Delete Account" option on Facebook?

It is in Settings & Privacy > Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership & Control > Deactivation & Deletion.

3. How can I delete all my Facebook posts at once?

Go to Activity Log > Your Posts > Select All > Move to Recycle Bin.

4. What happens to my Facebook Messenger after deleting Facebook?

• If you deactivate your account, you can still use Messenger.
• If you delete Facebook, Messenger is deleted too.

5. What happens to my Facebook-linked accounts (Instagram, WhatsApp)?

• Your Instagram and WhatsApp remain active.
• However, you may lose access if you use Facebook Login to sign in to apps.