Step-By-Step Deletion Guide
This guide will take you through a smooth and successful Facebook account deletion.
Please feel free to skip any steps that do not apply to you or even skip straight to the account deletion page.
Getting Started
- Log in to Facebook.
- Backup your Facebook data if required.
Before You Delete
There are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
- Switch accounts on apps that use Facebook for login purposes.
- Revoke app permissions e.g. Spotify.
- Log out of or delete Facebook phone and tablet apps.
The Account Deletion Process
A two week ‘deactivation’ period is enforced once you initiate permanent account deletion.
Logging in to your account during this time will cancel the deletion request.
To prevent this happening by accident,
- Be wary of websites that allow you to login using Facebook.
- Lock down all privacy settings in case of accidental reactivation.
TIP! Change your password before deletion to minimise automatic login issues.
Do not be fooled into switching from a deletion request to a deactivation request. Facebook employs a few tricks to encourage this. Remember, deactivation is not deletion.
‘It typically takes about one month to delete an account, but some information may remain in backup copies and logs for up to 90 days.’
(Facebook Data Use Policy).
Delete Sensitive Data
Facebook will delete your data upon account deletion, but shared data may remain.
- Delete any embarrassing pages,posts,messages and photos.
- Contact friends about shared content that you would like deleted.
Groups & Pages
If something important is organised primarily through a Facebook group, be sure to arrange alternative means of staying up to date.
If you run a group or page, ensure that administrator rights are shared with another account, assuming you wish to keep it. If not, here is how to delete a Facebook page.
Social Consequences
It is important to remember that friends may still think you are on Facebook. They may attempt to invite you to events and send you messages.
Consider an account deletion epitaph to explain your absence, including alternative means of communication. This will avoid any confusion.
Ready To Delete Your Account?
- Go directly to the official account deletion page.
- Enter password, captcha security check etc.
- Confirm!
The visuals for this process are not pretty. It is not designed to help you delete your account.
TIP! A video demonstration is available.
Further Reactivation Traps
Facebook wants to keep you, your data is valuable.
You may be encouraged to cancel your deletion request or switch to a deactivated account. Ignore these messages.
Ignore any guilt trip stages of the deletion process. Things like your friends ‘missing you’ and notifications of activity you are missing.
The Relationship Is Over. Moving On.
Wired Magazine has compiled a list of best alternatives for the features you might miss.
For example, Signal is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.