To close a Facebook account, you have two main options: deactivate it temporarily or delete it permanently.
How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account (Temporary)
- Log in to Facebook.
- On desktop, click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Select Meta Accounts Center > Personal details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose Deactivate Account and follow the prompts.
- This hides your profile and content but allows you to reactivate later and still use Messenger
How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account
- Log in to Facebook.
- Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Meta Accounts Center > Personal details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or deletion.
- Select Delete Account.
- Facebook will warn you about losing access to your profile, Messenger, and any Facebook Pages you manage.
- You can download your data before deletion.
- Enter your password to confirm and complete the deletion.
- Your account will be deactivated immediately but fully deleted after 30 days, during which you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind
Additional Tips Before Deleting
- Disconnect Facebook login from third-party apps and services to avoid losing access to them.
- If you manage Facebook Pages, assign another admin or the pages will be deleted.
- Download your Facebook data if you want to keep photos, posts, or messages
In summary, deactivation is reversible and hides your account temporarily, while deletion removes your account permanently after a 30-day grace period
