How to delete a Facebook account

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To delete a Facebook account, you can either deactivate it temporarily or permanently delete it through the account settings. This process involves navigating to the settings menu and following the prompts to confirm your choice.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start the process of deleting your Facebook account, ensure you have the following:
  • •A valid Facebook account that you wish to delete.
  • •Access to the email or phone number associated with your account for verification.
  • •Backup of any important data or photos you wish to keep, as deletion is irreversible.
  • •A stable internet connection.

Method 1: Deleting Your Account via Facebook Settings

This is the primary method for deleting your Facebook account. It is straightforward and can be done from both desktop and mobile devices.
  • •Step 1: Log into your Facebook account.
  • •Step 2: Click on the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page (desktop) or tap the three horizontal lines (mobile).
  • •Step 3: Select 'Settings & Privacy' and then click on 'Settings'.
  • •Step 4: In the left sidebar, click on 'Your Facebook Information'.
  • •Step 5: Click on 'Deactivation and Deletion'.
  • •Step 6: Select 'Permanently Delete Account' and click 'Continue to Account Deletion'.
  • •Step 7: Follow the prompts to confirm your decision, including entering your password.
  • •Step 8: Click 'Delete Account' to finalize the process.
  • •Step 9: You will receive a confirmation message indicating that your account has been scheduled for deletion.

For Windows 11

Follow these specific steps if you are using Windows 11.
  • •Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to Facebook.
  • •Step 2: Follow the same steps as outlined above for the desktop method.
  • •Step 3: Ensure that you have the latest version of your browser for optimal performance.

For Windows 10

Use these steps if you are on Windows 10.
  • •Step 1: Open Facebook in your web browser.
  • •Step 2: Click on the downward arrow in the top right corner.
  • •Step 3: Proceed with the steps as mentioned in the primary method.

Method 2: Using the Facebook App

If you prefer to delete your account using the Facebook mobile app, follow these steps:
  • •Step 1: Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
  • •Step 2: Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (iOS) or top right corner (Android).
  • •Step 3: Scroll down and select 'Settings & Privacy', then tap 'Settings'.
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Your Facebook Information'.
  • •Step 5: Tap 'Deactivation and Deletion'.
  • •Step 6: Choose 'Permanently Delete Account' and tap 'Continue to Account Deletion'.
  • •Step 7: Follow the prompts to confirm deletion, including entering your password.
  • •Step 8: Tap 'Delete Account' to complete the process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during the deletion process, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Your account cannot be deleted at this time' - Solution: Ensure that you are logged into the correct account and that there are no outstanding issues with your account.
  • •Issue: 'Password incorrect' - Fix: Double-check your password and ensure Caps Lock is not enabled. If you forgot your password, use the 'Forgot Password?' link to reset it.
  • •Problem: 'Deletion confirmation not received' - Workaround: Check your email spam folder for the confirmation email or try logging in again to see if the deletion is still pending.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Here are some tips to streamline the deletion process:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) or Command + Option + I (Mac) - Opens Developer Tools to inspect elements if needed.
  • •Command line: N/A - This process does not involve command line usage.
  • •Hidden feature: Download your information - Before deletion, consider downloading your data from 'Your Facebook Information' for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For a smooth deletion experience, ensure you are fully aware of the implications and have backed up your data.