How to deactivate or delete Facebook on iPhone, Android
Thinking about taking a break from your Facebook® account? Whether you're tired of seeing photos of your ex, can't stand your uncle's news feed, or you’re ready to say goodbye to your account altogether, the good news is you’ve got options—and Asurion Experts are here to help.
We help millions of people get the most out of their devices and digital lives, and if you're ready to leave Facebook behind—even temporarily—we’ve got simple steps to guide you through the process on your iPhone® or Android™.
What's the difference between deactivating and deleting Facebook?
Simply put, deactivating your Facebook account is temporary, deleting is permanent.
If you deactivate your Facebook account:
- You can reactivate anytime and access all your photos, videos, and friends.
- People can't see your timeline or search for you.
- Some information you've sent to other users (like messages) will still be viewable by those users.
- If you use your Facebook account to log in to third-party apps, you will not be able to access any information or purchases while your account is deactivated.
- Pages that only you control will be deactivated. If you want your page to remain active, you can give someone else control.
- You can still chat with friends on Messenger.
If you delete your Facebook account:
- You can't regain access once it's deleted. (NOTE: There is a 30-day grace period in case you change your mind.)
- Friends may still be able to see messages you've sent after your account has been deleted.
- Some Facebook information, such as your profile picture and log records, may remain in Facebook's database but will no longer be connected to you.
- If you use your Facebook account to log in to third-party apps, you won't be able to log in to them or access your information.
- Pages that only you control will be deleted. If you want your page to remain active, you can give someone else control.
One important thing to remember: If you want to remove Facebook from your phone but don't want to deactivate your account, you may want to just delete the app on your device.
How to download your Facebook data
Want to keep your photos, posts, and messages before deleting your account? Here’s how to download your Facebook data:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the three-lined Menu button (typically in the top-right corner of the screen for Android users, bottom-right corner of the screen for iOS)
- Go to Settings & privacy > Settings.
- Tap See more in Accounts Center.
- Tap Your information and permissions.
- Tap Download your information > Download or transfer information.
- Choose the data you want to download and select your preferred format—you can choose to download directly to a device or transfer to a cloud destination such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Tap Create files or Start transfer, depending on your choice. Facebook will notify you when your download is ready.
Now you’ve saved the data you’d like to keep, lets cover how to deactivate or delete your Facebook on your iPhone or Android.
How to temporarily deactivate Facebook on your iPhone
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Settings & privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap See more in Accounts Center.
- Select Personal details, then tap Account ownership and control.
- Choose Deactivation or deletion.
- Select the account you wish to deactivate, tap Deactivate account, and then tap Continue.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deactivation.
How to permanently delete Facebook on your iPhone
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Settings & privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap See more in Accounts Center.
- Select Personal details, then tap Account ownership and control.
- Choose Deactivation or deletion.
- Select the account you wish to delete, tap Delete account, and then tap Continue.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deletion.
How to temporarily deactivate Facebook on your Android
- Open the Facebook app on your Android device.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Center.
- Select Personal details, then tap Account ownership and control.
- Choose Deactivation or deletion.
- Select the account you wish to deactivate, tap Deactivate account, and then tap Continue.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deactivation.
How to permanently delete Facebook on your Android
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts Center.
- Select Personal details, then tap Account ownership and control.
- Choose Deactivation or deletion.
- Select the account you wish to delete, tap Delete account, and then tap Continue.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deletion.
How to reactivate your Facebook account
If you deactivated your Facebook account—not deleted—and want to return, simply open the Facebook app or go to the Facebook website and log in using your previous credentials. Your account will be reactivated, and your profile will be restored as it was before deactivation.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
FAQ
How long does it take to delete a Facebook account?
Facebook gives you a 30-day grace period to change your mind. After that, your account and all data will be permanently deleted.
Can I still use Messenger if I deactivate Facebook?
Yes, you can choose to keep using Messenger even if your Facebook account is deactivated. Deleting your account will remove access to Messenger entirely.
What happens to my data if I delete Facebook?
Once your account is deleted and the 30-day grace period ends, all your data—including posts, photos, and messages—will be permanently removed.
Is downloading Facebook data before deletion necessary?
It’s not required, but it’s recommended if you want to keep copies of your photos, posts, or other information before deletion.
Can I recover my account after deleting Facebook?
No, after 30 days, account deletion is permanent. There’s no way to recover it.
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