How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account

How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account
Photo by Alexander Shatov / Unsplash

Facebook has become a familiar social media platform because of its capacity to connect us with friends and family, build communities, and act as a platform for news and information. However, for some users, the disadvantages of Facebook, such as privacy problems, time drains, and negativity, outweigh the advantages.

If you've come to the point where you'd prefer to leave Facebook behind, this article offers complete instructions on how to permanently delete your account, both on desktop and mobile.

Why Delete Your Facebook Account?

There are several valid reasons why you might choose to permanently delete your Facebook account. Some of the most common concerns include:

space gray iPhone 6 with Facebook log-in display near Social Media scrabble tiles
Photo by Firmbee.com / Unsplash

Important things to consider before deleting your account

Deciding to delete your Facebook account is a significant decision. Here are some key points to ponder before hitting that final "delete" button:

Permanently Deleting Your Facebook Account (Desktop)

Once you've carefully considered your options and are confident about deleting your account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Your Facebook Account: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to https://web.facebook.com/. Log in to your account using your email address or phone number and password.
  2. Access Settings: Locate the downward arrow in the top-right corner of the Facebook homepage. Click on it and select "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown menu. On the next page, choose "Settings."
  3. Navigate to Your Facebook Information: In the left-hand sidebar, find the section labeled "Your Facebook Information." This section holds all the details pertaining to your account data.
  4. Click "Deactivation and Deletion.": Scroll down within the "Your Facebook Information" section until you find the option labeled "Deactivation and Deletion." Click on it to proceed.
  5. Select "Delete Account": Facebook will present you with two options: "Deactivate Account" (temporary) and "Delete Account" (permanent). Choose "Delete Account" to permanently remove your profile and data.
  6. Confirm Deletion: Facebook will prompt you to confirm your decision. Enter your password for verification and click "Delete Account" to permanently delete your account.

Permanently Deleting Your Facebook Account (Mobile App)

If you primarily use Facebook on your mobile device, follow these steps to delete your account:

  1. Launch the Facebook App: Open the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet and log in to your account.
  2. Access Settings: Locate the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) situated in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Tap on the menu and scroll down until you find "Settings & Privacy." Select "Settings" from the submenu.
  3. Find "Your Facebook Information": Scroll down within the "Settings" menu until you see "Your Facebook Information."
  4. Click "Deactivation and Deletion": Under "Your Facebook Information," tap on "Account Ownership and Control." Then, select "Deactivation and Deletion" to proceed.
  5. Select "Delete Account": Similar to the desktop version, Facebook will provide you with two options: "Deactivate Account" and "Delete Account." Choose "Delete Account" to permanently remove your account.
  6. Confirm Deletion: Just like on the desktop version, you'll need to confirm your decision by entering your password and tapping "Delete Account."

Additional Tips to Consider:

Deleting your Facebook account is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your online presence and permanently remove your personal information from Facebook.

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