Delete Facebook Account Easily: 7 Essential Steps for Android, iPhone & PC

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Learn how to permanently delete Facebook account on Android, iPhone, or PC. Step-by-step guide, including data backup, hacked accounts, and deactivation options.

How to Permanently Delete Facebook Account on Android, iPhone, and PC

Facebook remains one of the most widely used social media platforms in the world, but not everyone wants to stay connected forever. Whether it’s for privacy reasons, digital detox, or managing unused accounts, learning how to permanently delete a Facebook account is essential.

This guide covers everything you need to know—from backing up your data, deleting your account on any device, managing accounts of deceased relatives, handling hacked or stolen accounts, to temporarily deactivating Facebook if you’re unsure.

What Happens When You Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account?

Deleting your Facebook account is permanent after the grace period. Here’s what you need to know before taking the final step:

Loss of Profile and Content

When you permanently delete your account:

Your profile disappears: All posts, photos, videos, and shared content will be permanently deleted.
Messenger stops working: You won’t be able to use Facebook Messenger. Messages sent to friends may remain in their inboxes.
Linked apps will be affected: Any apps or websites using Facebook Login will require account recovery through their own processes.
Meta Quest and other integrations: If your account is linked to VR or other services, you will lose all in-app data, purchases, and achievements.

Grace Period to Change Your Mind

Facebook allows a 30-day grace period to cancel deletion. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted, although complete removal of all content can take up to 90 days. Some information may still be retained for legal reasons but cannot be accessed.

Difference Between Deletion and Deactivation

If you’re not ready to permanently leave, consider deactivation:

Your profile is hidden from others.
Your posts, photos, and Messenger remain intact.
You can still use Facebook Login for other apps.
You can reactivate anytime by logging in.

How to Download Your Facebook Data

Before deleting your account, backing up your data is highly recommended. This includes photos, videos, messages, and posts.

On Android and iPhone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu (top right on Android, bottom right on iPhone).
Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Management Center → Your Info & Permissions → Download Your Info.
Select the data types you want, format (HTML or JSON), media quality, and download destination (device, Google Drive, or Dropbox).
Tap Create File, and once ready, download it.

On PC or Mac

Log in at Facebook.
Click the menu icon → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Management Center → Your Info & Permissions → Download Your Info.
Choose your desired data, format, and media quality, then create the file and download it.

How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account

From Android & iPhone

Open the app and tap the menu icon.
Navigate to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership & Control.
Select Deactivate or Delete → Delete Account.
Choose a reason for deletion, and optionally download or transfer your information.
Enter your password and confirm deletion.

From Windows PC & Mac

Log in at Facebook.
Click the menu icon → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership & Control.
Select Deactivate or Delete → Delete Account, provide a reason, and optionally download data.
Enter your password and confirm.

Undo Deletion

If you change your mind within 30 days, log in and click Undelete to restore your account.

How to Delete a Deceased Person’s Facebook Account

When a loved one passes away, Facebook allows you to either delete or memorialize their account.

Account Deletion

Permanently removes all posts, messages, photos, and profile information.
All associated pages or groups where the deceased was the only admin are paused or removed.

Memorialized Profiles

Displays “In Memory of” next to the user’s name.
Friends can share memories, but the account cannot be logged into or used for login.
Pages and groups may be managed or paused depending on legacy contacts.

Adding a Legacy Contact

Go to Settings → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership & Control → Memorialize an Account.
Enter the name of your legacy contact.
Specify whether they can download shared content and send a notification.

Submitting the Deceased’s Account for Deletion or Memorialization

Use Facebook’s Memorialization Request Form, attach proof of death (certificate or obituary), and submit.

How to Delete a Facebook Account Without Password or Email

If you can’t remember your credentials:

Recover your account via Facebook’s recovery page.
Once recovered, follow the deletion steps above.

How to Delete a Stolen or Hacked Account

Reporting a Hacked Account

Visit Facebook Hacked Account.
Follow prompts to secure your account, reset passwords, and review recent changes.

Reporting Impersonation

Go to the fake profile.
Click the “…” menu → Report Profile.
Follow instructions to verify identity and remove the impersonating account.

How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Facebook Account

If you want a break without losing data:

On Mobile

Open the app and go to Menu → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership & Control → Deactivate or Delete → Deactivate Account.
Tap Continue, enter your password, and confirm.

On Desktop

Log in → Menu → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Management Center → Personal Details → Account Ownership & Control → Deactivate Account.
Follow prompts and confirm.

Conclusion

Deleting your Facebook account permanently is a major decision that requires preparation. From backing up your data to handling legacy accounts, hacked accounts, or temporary deactivation, this guide covers everything.

Whether you’re on Android, iPhone, or PC, these step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth, secure, and complete account removal process. Taking control of your digital footprint has never been easier.