Once you’re finally ready to make your grand exit from Facebook, it’s relatively simple. If you’re logged in with a web browser, go to this page and click on “Delete Account.” Or if you’re using the app, scroll down for the directions.
It’s no secret that Facebook doesn’t want you to leave, and so your account won’t be deleted immediately. Facebook doesn’t start the process until 30 days after you make the request, a delay that Meta says is meant to give you time to change your mind. If that happens, you can log back in during that stretch and your deletion request will be canceled.
In the meantime, your account will be “deactivated,” as described above, so your data won’t be accessible to other Facebook users. And once your account is “deleted,” it may take up to 90 days more for Meta to erase your information from its systems entirely, according to the company.
And there’s no way to scrub yourself completely from every corner of the Facebook platform. Messages you’ve sent to friends will still be visible in their inboxes, for example.
Remember that Facebook isn’t the only social media platform run by the company. Meta also owns and operates Instagram and WhatsApp, among other services. If you want to purge yourself from Meta’s apps entirely, you may need to delete other accounts as well.
To delete on the Facebook app: Tap the Menu button in the bottom right > Settings & Privacy > Settings. At the top, tap Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion > Tap your account > Select Delete Account and follow the steps.
