What happens to my Instagram, WhatsApp, and other Meta accounts?

Deleting your Facebook account does not automatically delete your Instagram, WhatsApp, or other Meta-owned accounts. Each account is separate and must be deleted individually. However, if you used Facebook to log into these services, you'll need to set up alternative login methods before deleting Facebook.

Will my messages be deleted from other people's inboxes?

No. While your Messenger account is deleted, the messages you sent to other people will remain in their inboxes. These messages will show as from 'Facebook User' instead of your name, and won't link to a profile. This is intentional - recipients own their copy of the conversation.

What happens to photos where I'm tagged?

Photos and posts where you were tagged by others remain on Facebook after your account is deleted. Your name will still appear in the tag, but it won't link to your profile anymore. You cannot remove these tags after your account is deleted, so do it before deletion if this concerns you.

Can I delete Facebook but keep Messenger?

No. Messenger is directly tied to your Facebook account. When you delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account is automatically deleted as well. There is no option to keep Messenger while deleting Facebook. Consider deactivation instead if you want to keep Messenger access.

How long does Facebook actually take to delete my data?

Your account is immediately deactivated when you request deletion. Facebook then has a 30-day grace period before deletion begins. After the grace period, Facebook states deletion takes up to 90 days to complete due to data being stored across multiple servers and backups. Some information may legally need to be retained longer.

What if I'm locked out of my account and want to delete it?

You must be able to log into your account to delete it through official channels. If you're locked out, first use Facebook's account recovery process to regain access. If you absolutely cannot recover your account, it will remain inactive but not officially deleted.

Will apps I logged into with Facebook still work?

No. After your Facebook account is deleted, you can no longer use 'Login with Facebook' to access other apps and services. Before deletion, visit each app/service and either create a new account with email/password or link an alternative login method.

How to Delete Your Facebook Account - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written & Verified By

Delete.Directory Content Team

Our team of privacy advocates and former social media employees verify every deletion process through hands-on testing.

This guide helps you permanently delete your Facebook account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.

How We Verified This Guide

Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts

Quick Information

Time Required

5 minutes

Difficulty

easy

Steps

5 steps

Official Resources

Facebook Help Center - Delete Your Account

Official deletion guide from Facebook

Additional Resources

[1]

Download Your Facebook Information

Official guide for downloading your complete Facebook data archive

[2]

Facebook Data Policy

Understanding how Facebook handles your data and privacy

[3]

Account Deactivation vs Deletion

Learn the difference between temporarily deactivating and permanently deleting

Step-by-Step Guide

Access Facebook Settings

Log into Facebook and click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Select 'Settings & Privacy', then click 'Settings'.

Tips

•You can do this on desktop, mobile browser, or Facebook app
•Make sure you're logged into the correct account

Navigate to Account Deletion Options

In the left sidebar, click 'Your Facebook Information'. Then select 'Deactivation and Deletion' from the options presented.

Tips

•This section also shows options to download your data before deletion
•Take a moment to review what will be permanently deleted

Select Permanent Deletion

Choose 'Permanently delete account' (not deactivation). Read the information about what happens when you delete your account, then click 'Continue to Account Deletion'.

Warnings

•Make sure you select 'Delete' not 'Deactivate' - they are very different
•Consider downloading your data first if you want to keep any memories

Confirm Your Identity

Facebook will ask you to enter your password to verify it's really you making this request. Type your password carefully.

Tips

•If you've forgotten your password, reset it before attempting deletion
•Make sure caps lock is off

Final Confirmation

After entering your password, click the 'Delete Account' button. Facebook will show you a final confirmation with the grace period information.

Warnings

•After clicking this button, your account is scheduled for permanent deletion
•You have 30 days to change your mind by simply logging back in

Important Warnings

30-Day Grace Period Before Permanent Deletion

Your account is immediately deactivated but not deleted right away. Facebook keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. If you log in during this period, your deletion request is canceled and your account is restored. After 30 days without logging in, your account and all associated data is permanently deleted.

Complete Data Loss After Grace Period

Once the 30-day grace period ends, all your Facebook data is permanently deleted: posts, photos, videos, stories, check-ins, messages, friend connections, and page memberships. This action cannot be undone or reversed in any way.

Messenger Access Permanently Lost

Deleting your Facebook account also deletes your Messenger account. All your Messenger conversations, media, and contacts will be permanently lost. Your messages may still appear in other people's inboxes but won't be linked to you.

Some Information May Persist

While your account is deleted, some information may remain visible to others: messages you sent will stay in recipients' inboxes (shown as from 'Facebook User'), your name in tags and posts by others, and records of past transactions or interactions required by law.

Impact on Other Meta Services

Your Facebook login may be used for other services and apps. After deletion, you won't be able to sign into those services using Facebook. Instagram and WhatsApp accounts remain unaffected if you created them separately.

No Username Recycling

After deletion, your Facebook username and email address are permanently retired. You can create a new account with the same email, but your old username cannot be reused by anyone.

Alternatives to Consider

Temporary Account Deactivation

easy

Facebook allows you to temporarily deactivate your account, which hides your profile and all your content from other users while keeping all your data safe. You can reactivate anytime by simply logging back in.

Pros

•Fully reversible at any time
•All data, photos, posts, and friend connections are preserved
•Other users cannot see or search for your profile
•No time limit on how long you can stay deactivated
•Messenger can remain active even with deactivated Facebook

Cons

•Your data continues to be stored on Facebook's servers
•Your username remains unavailable to others
•You may still receive email notifications unless disabled
•Doesn't prevent Facebook from collecting data about you from other sources

2 min

Download Your Facebook Data Archive

easy

Before deleting your account, you can request a complete download of all your Facebook data. This includes all photos, videos, posts, messages, friend lists, and information Facebook has collected about you.

Pros

•Keep a personal backup of all your Facebook memories
•See exactly what data Facebook has collected about you
•Includes data not visible in your normal Facebook interface
•Free service provided directly by Facebook
•Downloadable in multiple formats (JSON, HTML)

Cons

•Can take 24-48 hours to receive your download link
•File size can be very large (several gigabytes) depending on your activity
•Requires a separate request process before deletion
•You'll need secure storage for your personal data archive

5 min

Take a Break (Restricted Account)

medium

Instead of full deactivation, you can limit your Facebook activity by unfollowing most friends, leaving groups, and removing the app from your phone while keeping your account technically active.

Pros

•Maintain your account for important logins or connections
•Reduce Facebook's presence in your daily life
•Can still access when absolutely necessary
•Gradual approach to leaving the platform

Cons

•Requires manual effort to configure
•Facebook still has access to your data
•Temptation to return may be high
•Doesn't fully address privacy concerns

15 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only within the first 30 days after requesting deletion. Simply log into your account during this grace period and Facebook will cancel the deletion request and restore your account with all your data intact. After 30 days pass without logging in, deletion becomes permanent and your account cannot be recovered under any circumstances.

References & Citations

[1]
Download Your Facebook Information
Official guide for downloading your complete Facebook data archive
https://www.facebook.com/help/212802592074644
[2]
Facebook Data Policy
Understanding how Facebook handles your data and privacy
https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy
[3]
Account Deactivation vs Deletion
Learn the difference between temporarily deactivating and permanently deleting
https://www.facebook.com/help/125338004213029

All citations verified as of 11/7/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.

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Related Guides

You might also want to delete these accounts

instagram

Deleting Facebook does not affect Instagram - they are separate accounts

Critical Warnings

30-Day Grace Period Before Permanent Deletion
Your account is immediately deactivated but not deleted right away. Facebook keeps your data for 30 ...
Complete Data Loss After Grace Period
Once the 30-day grace period ends, all your Facebook data is permanently deleted: posts, photos, vid...
Messenger Access Permanently Lost
Deleting your Facebook account also deletes your Messenger account. All your Messenger conversations...

Last Updated

November 7, 2025

Tags

social-media