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Whether it’s for privacy concerns, mental health, or simply wanting a digital detox, deleting your Facebook account is a significant decision. This guide walks UK users through every step of the process, including how to download your data before you go.
Before You Delete
Deleting your Facebook account is permanent and irreversible after a 30-day grace period. Before proceeding, consider what you’ll lose: all photos, posts, and messages; access to any apps or websites where you used “Log in with Facebook”; your Messenger account; any Facebook Pages you manage alone; and your Facebook Gaming, Marketplace, and dating profiles.
Deactivation vs Deletion
Deactivation is temporary and reversible. Your profile disappears from Facebook, but your data is preserved. You can reactivate at any time by logging back in. You can still use Messenger while deactivated.
Deletion is permanent. After the 30-day cooling-off period, your account and all associated data are permanently removed from Facebook’s servers. Some information (like messages you sent to friends) may remain visible to others.
How to Permanently Delete Your Account
On desktop: click your profile picture (top right) → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Your Facebook Information → Deactivation and Deletion → select “Permanently Delete Account” → Continue to Account Deletion → enter your password → click Delete Account.
On mobile: tap Menu (☰) → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Personal and Account Information → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivation and Deletion → Delete Account → Continue → enter password → Delete.
Important: after clicking Delete, you have 30 days to change your mind. If you log back in during this period, the deletion is cancelled. After 30 days, the process begins and may take up to 90 days to complete fully.
Download Your Data First
Before deleting, download a copy of your Facebook data. Go to Settings → Your Facebook Information → Download Your Information. Select the data categories you want (photos, posts, messages, etc.), choose your format (HTML is easier to browse, JSON is better for data portability), select your date range, and click “Request a download.”
Large accounts may take several hours to generate. Facebook will notify you when your download is ready. The download link remains available for a few days, so save it promptly.
What Happens After Deletion
Immediately: your profile is hidden from other users. After 30 days: permanent deletion begins. After up to 90 days: most data is deleted from Facebook’s servers. Some data may persist in backup systems for up to an additional 90 days but is not accessible or used.
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to request deletion of your personal data. If you believe Facebook has retained data improperly after deletion, you can submit a Subject Access Request to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited or complain to the ICO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete Facebook but keep Messenger?
No. Permanently deleting your Facebook account also deletes your Messenger account. However, if you deactivate (rather than delete) Facebook, you can continue using Messenger.
What happens to my Facebook Pages?
Pages where you’re the sole admin will be removed. Pages with other admins will continue with the remaining admins managing them. Transfer admin roles before deleting if needed.