Digital Life · Account Management · Delete Accounts

How to Delete a Facebook Account Permanently

Permanently delete your Facebook account through Meta Accounts Center by checking backups, opening personal details, choosing account ownership and control, and confirming deletion.

A generic web-app interface showing account settings with 'Delete Account' selected, indicating permanent deletion. The 'Delete Account' button is highlighted in blue on a light grey background.
Choose 'Delete Account' for permanent removal of your social account, as temporary deactivation is not an option for final deletion.
Quick answer:

To permanently delete your Facebook account, open Facebook settings, go to Accounts Center, choose Personal details, then Account ownership and control, select Deactivation or deletion, choose your profile, and confirm Delete account.

  • Time needed5–10 minutes
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Works onFacebook, Meta Accounts Center, iPhone, Android, desktop browser
  • Last checkedJune 2026
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Before you start

Permanent deletion is a serious account action. Before you request it, save photos, posts, messages, business assets, pages, ad accounts or login connections you still need. Also check whether you use Facebook Login for other websites or apps.

Important:

Do not delete the account until you are sure you can lose access to the profile, Messenger access connected to that profile, and any services that depend on Facebook Login.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Download important Facebook information first

    Open Facebook settings and look for the option to download or transfer your information. Save the archive somewhere safe before you continue. This is especially important for photos, messages, group content and business-related data.

    Download your Facebook information before deleting the account
    Save anything you want to keep before you start the permanent deletion process.
  2. Open Facebook settings

    In the Facebook app, open Menu, then choose Settings & privacy and Settings. On desktop, click your profile picture, then open Settings & privacy → Settings.

    Open Facebook settings and privacy menu
    Start from Settings and privacy in the Facebook app or desktop menu.
  3. Go to Accounts Center

    Tap or click See more in Accounts Center or Accounts Center. Then open Personal details. Interface wording can vary slightly by app version and region.

    Meta Accounts Center inside Facebook settings
    Meta manages Facebook deletion through Accounts Center on many accounts.
  4. Choose Account ownership and control

    Select Account ownership and control, then choose Deactivation or deletion. Pick the Facebook account or profile that you want to remove.

    Account ownership and control deletion option in Accounts Center
    The deletion option is inside Account ownership and control.
  5. Select Delete account and confirm

    Choose Delete account, continue through the explanation screens, enter your password if asked, and confirm. If you only want a break from Facebook, choose deactivation instead of permanent deletion.

    Confirm permanent Facebook account deletion
    Read the final confirmation screen carefully before you submit the deletion request.
Tip:

If you cannot find the option in the mobile app, try the desktop website. Meta documents both Accounts Center and older Facebook settings paths because not every account layout looks identical.

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Common problems

ProblemWhat to try
Accounts Center is not visibleUpdate the Facebook app or open Facebook in a desktop browser.
You only see deactivationMake sure you selected the correct profile and continue to the screen where deletion is offered.
You manage a page or business assetTransfer ownership or admin access before deleting your personal account.
You use Facebook Login elsewhereChange login methods on important apps and websites before deleting the account.
You changed your mindFollow Facebook’s current reactivation or cancellation instructions as soon as possible.

FAQ

Is deleting Facebook the same as deactivating it?

No. Deactivation is temporary and can usually be reversed by signing back in. Permanent deletion is intended to remove the account after the deletion process is completed.

Should I download my Facebook information first?

Yes. Download photos, posts, messages or other information you want to keep before you request permanent deletion.

Where is the delete account option now?

Meta places the option in Accounts Center under Personal details, Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion.

What if I cannot find Accounts Center?

Update the Facebook app or use a desktop browser. Meta also provides older Facebook settings paths for some account layouts.

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Sources

About this guide

This guide was prepared by How-To Digital Editorial Team and reviewed by Editorial Review. Updated: 2026-06-14.