How to Delete a Facebook Account (Step-by-Step Visual Guide)

Are you considering stepping away from Facebook—whether permanently or just for a while? You're not alone. Millions of users every year decide to either deactivate or permanently delete their Facebook accounts due to privacy concerns, time management, or simply a change in digital priorities.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to delete a Facebook account, step-by-step, using both desktop and mobile (including iPhone and Facebook Lite). Whether you're looking to deactivate Facebook temporarily or get rid of it for good, you’ll find every method clearly explained—with screenshots and helpful tips.

1. Before You Delete: Things to Consider

Before you hit that delete button, here are a few things you should know:

Deactivation vs Deletion

Deactivation: Your profile becomes invisible to others, but your data is stored. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in.

Deletion: Your account and all associated data are permanently removed after a 30-day grace period.

Download Your Data

Before deleting, it's wise to back up your photos, messages, and posts.

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
• Click Your Facebook Information
• Select Download your information

You can choose what data to export (photos, videos, messages, etc.) and download it as a ZIP file.

What Happens to Facebook Login & Messenger

• Apps where you use Facebook Login may lose access.
• Messenger will also become inactive unless you keep it active while deactivating.
• Facebook Pages you manage may also become inaccessible if there are no other admins.

2. How to Deactivate Facebook Account

🔹 On Desktop (Web Browser)

Step1: Go to facebook.com and click the drop-down arrow in the top-right.

Step2: Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings

Step3: Click Your Facebook Information

Step4: Select Deactivation and Deletion

Step: 5 Choose Deactivate Account and click Continue

🔹 On Mobile (iPhone/Android)

Step1: Open the Facebook App

Step2: Tap the Menu icon (☰) > Settings & Privacy > Settings

Step3: Scroll down to Access and Control

Step4: Tap Deactivation and Deletion

Step5: Select Deactivate Account, tap Continue, and enter your password

3. How to Permanently Delete a Facebook Account

🔹 On Desktop

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
• Navigate to Your Facebook Information
• Select Deactivation and Deletion
• Choose Delete Account > Continue to Account Deletion
• Click Delete Account, enter your password, and confirm

Note: Facebook gives you a 30-day grace period to cancel deletion if you change your mind.

🔹 On Mobile (iPhone / Android)

• Open Facebook App
• Go to Menu (☰) > Settings & Privacy > Settings
• Tap Access and Control
• Tap Deactivation and Deletion
• Choose Delete Account > Continue, enter your password, and tap Delete

4. How to Delete a Facebook Business Account

To delete a Facebook Business Manager account:

• Go to https://business.facebook.com
• Navigate to Business Settings
• Under Business Info, click Permanently Delete Business
• Follow the prompts to confirm

Note: All assets (ad accounts, pages) must be removed or reassigned before deletion.

5. What If You Lost Access or Got Hacked?

If you lost access to your account or it's been hacked:

• Visit: facebook.com/hacked
• Follow the on-screen recovery process
• Once recovered, follow the deletion steps mentioned above

If recovery fails, report your issue through facebook.com/help

6. Facebook Lite vs Regular App (Deletion Differences)

The process is largely the same in Facebook Lite, but the UI may be slightly different.

Steps on Facebook Lite:

Step1: Open the Facebook Lite App

Step2: Tap the Menu (☰) icon

Step3: Navigate to Settings > Account Ownership and Control

Step4: Tap Deactivation and Deletion

Step5: Choose Delete Account, confirm with password

7. FAQs & Troubleshooting

Can I recover my account after deletion?

Yes, but only within 30 days. After that, it’s gone for good.

What about apps where I use Facebook Login?

You’ll need to reset login credentials for each of those apps or services.

Can I delete Facebook but keep Messenger?

Only if you deactivate, not delete. Messenger can remain active during deactivation.

What if I don’t see the Delete option?

Ensure your app is updated. Also, try logging in from a browser to access full settings.

8. Final Tips & Alternatives

If you're unsure, deactivate first to test life without Facebook.

Consider limiting Facebook's impact by:

Turning off notifications

Removing app permissions

Using Facebook in a private browser

Remember: deleting your Facebook will not delete your Instagram or WhatsApp accounts, even though they are owned by Meta.

Final Words

Whether you're leaving Facebook to improve mental wellness, regain control of your time, or protect your privacy, you now know how to delete a Facebook account or deactivate it temporarily—on both desktop and mobile (including iPhone and Facebook Lite).

📌 Don’t forget to back up your data, check your Messenger settings, and unlink Facebook Login from third-party apps before proceeding.

For official support, visit Facebook Help Center.