How to Delete Your Facebook Account

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Deleting your Facebook account is an important decision that will help you permanently remove your profile and all the data associated with it from Facebook's servers. Here is a detailed guide on how to delete your Facebook account. Please follow these steps carefully and make sure you have backed up all the data you have before proceeding.

Step 1: Preparation

Before deleting your Facebook account, it's important to prepare by following these preliminary steps:

1. Download your information

Before you delete your account, you can download a copy of everything you've shared on Facebook. This includes photos, videos, posts, messages, and more.

• Go to the Facebook arrow in the top right corner of your screen.
• Select “Settings and Privacy” and then “Settings.”
• Click “Your Facebook Information.”
• Click “Download Your Information.”
• Select the data you want to download and click “Create File.” Facebook will prepare your file and notify you when it’s ready for download.
2. Review of Facebook-linked apps and websites

Check and manage all the apps or websites where you use Facebook to log in. You may need to manage or update your login information for these platforms.

• Go to the Facebook arrow at the top right corner of the screen.
• Select “Settings and Privacy” and then “Settings.”
• Click on “Apps and Websites.”
• Review the apps and websites that have access to your Facebook account and take the necessary action.

Step 2: Deactivating vs. deleting your account

It is essential to understand the difference between deactivating and deleting your Facebook account:

• Deactivate your account

Deactivating your Facebook account is a temporary action. When you deactivate your account, your profile disappears from Facebook, but Facebook saves your data. You can reactivate your account by logging back in whenever you want.

• Deleting your account

Deleting your account is permanent and irreversible. It permanently removes your profile and all data associated with it from Facebook's servers.

Step 3: Deleting your Facebook account

To permanently delete your Facebook account, follow these steps carefully:

1. Go to the Facebook arrow in the top right corner of your screen and click on it.
2. Select “Settings and Privacy” and then “Settings.”
3. Click “Your Facebook Information” in the left column.
4. Click on “Deactivation and Deletion.”
5. Select “Permanently delete account” and then click “Continue to account deletion.”
6. Click “Delete Account” and enter your password to confirm deletion.
7. Click “Continue” and then click “Delete Account.”

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Once you start the deletion process, Facebook delays the deletion for a few days. If you log back in during this grace period, your deletion request is automatically canceled. After the grace period, your account and all personal data will be permanently deleted and you will not be able to get your information back.

Additional considerations

Here are a few more points you should consider when you decide to delete your Facebook account:

• Messenger deactivation

If you delete your Facebook account, you will no longer be able to use Messenger. If you want to continue using Messenger, deactivating your account may be a better option than deleting it.

• Shared content

Messages you send to friends, posts you share, or comments you make on other people's posts may be visible to others. Content you create on other people's profiles will remain part of their profiles unless they delete it.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems while trying to delete your Facebook account, consider the following solutions:

• Unable to access account

If you can't access your account, reset your password using the "Forgot Password" option on the Facebook login page. Follow the instructions to regain access.

• Account agreement

If you think your account has been hacked, report the hacked account. Facebook has special procedures in place to help you recover and secure your account before deleting it.

• Go to the Facebook Help Center.
• Search for “hacked accounts.”
• Follow the steps provided by Facebook to report and recover your account.

Final thoughts

Deleting your Facebook account can be a conscious decision made for a variety of personal reasons, including privacy concerns, a desire to reduce screen time, or simply stepping away from social media. By following the detailed steps above, you can ensure that your data is safely deleted and you're ready for the change.

Remember, once your account is deleted, it is not possible to recover it, and all your data will be lost forever. Make sure you have considered all aspects and backed up any important information before confirming your deletion request.

If you ever decide to come back, you'll have to create a new Facebook account and start from scratch. This includes re-adding friends, re-uploading photos, and rebuilding your social network.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on how to delete your Facebook account. We hope you found it detailed and useful.

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