7 Critical Steps To Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account From Mobile (2025 Guide)

Permanently deleting your Facebook account from your mobile device has become a streamlined, yet often confusing, process due to Meta's integration of the Accounts Center. As of December 2025, the old deletion methods are obsolete, requiring users to navigate a new centralized hub to completely erase their digital footprint.

This comprehensive guide provides the definitive, up-to-date steps for both Android and iPhone users, ensuring you can successfully remove your profile, photos, posts, and access to associated services like Messenger without confusion. The process is irreversible after a short grace period, so it is crucial to follow these steps precisely.

Essential Pre-Deletion Checklist: Don't Lose Your Memories

Before you commit to permanent deletion, there are critical steps you must take. Once your account is permanently removed, all your data—photos, posts, messages, and comments—will be gone forever. This preparatory phase is vital for preserving your digital history and preventing future headaches with other services.

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1. Download a Copy of Your Facebook Data

Facebook allows you to download an archive of almost everything you have ever shared on the platform, including photos, videos, posts, messages, and even ad interests. This is your last chance to save your memories.

• Open the Facebook mobile app and tap the Menu icon (three lines or your profile picture).
• Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
• Scroll down to the "Your Information" section and tap Download Your Information.
• Select the data you want to include (e.g., Posts, Photos and Videos, Messages).
• Choose your desired format (HTML is easiest to view), media quality, and date range.
• Tap Create File. Facebook will notify you via email when your data archive is ready to download. This process can take several hours depending on the amount of data.

2. Review and Update Linked Third-Party Apps

Many websites and services allow you to "Log in with Facebook" (Single Sign-On or SSO). Permanently deleting your Facebook account will instantly revoke your ability to log into these third-party applications. You must update your login credentials on these services before deletion.

• Navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites.
• Review the list of apps you use Facebook to log into.
• Visit each app's website and change your login method, typically by using an email and creating a new password. Failure to do this may lock you out of those services permanently.

The Definitive 7-Step Mobile Guide to Permanent Deletion (2025)

The permanent deletion process is now managed through the "Accounts Center," Meta's unified settings hub for Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Follow these steps carefully on your Android or iOS device.

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Step 1: Access the Main Menu

Open the Facebook app. Tap the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines or your profile picture) located in the bottom right corner on iOS or the top right corner on Android.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings & Privacy

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Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Step 3: Enter the Accounts Center

At the very top of the Settings screen, you will see a blue banner for the Accounts Center (formerly Meta Accounts Center). Tap on it.

Step 4: Find Account Ownership and Control

In the Accounts Center menu, look for and tap Personal details. On the next screen, tap Account ownership and control.

Step 5: Select Deactivation or Deletion

Tap Deactivation or deletion. You will be prompted to select the account or profile you wish to manage. Choose your Facebook profile.

Step 6: Choose 'Delete Account' Permanently

You will be presented with two options: Deactivate account (temporary) and Delete account (permanent). Select Delete account. This is the crucial step that initiates the irreversible process. Tap Continue.

Step 7: Final Confirmation and Password Entry

Facebook will try to persuade you to only deactivate or offer to save your data. Review the information, select a reason for leaving (optional), and tap Continue to Account Deletion. Enter your password to confirm the request. You will receive a final confirmation screen stating the deletion date.

Deactivation vs. Deletion: Understanding the Critical Difference

The choice between deactivating and permanently deleting your account is the most important decision in this process. Many users mistakenly choose deactivation when they intend to permanently leave the platform.

Account Deactivation (Temporary)

Deactivation is a temporary measure. When you deactivate your account:

• Your profile is hidden from everyone.
• Friends can no longer search for or see your timeline.
• Your photos, posts, and data are stored safely on Meta's servers.
• You can reactivate your account at any time by simply logging back in.
• Crucially, you can continue to use Messenger to chat with friends, and your profile picture will still appear in Messenger conversations.

Permanent Account Deletion (Forever)

Permanent deletion is final. When you delete your account:

• Your profile, photos, videos, posts, and all data are scheduled for permanent erasure from Meta's servers.
• You will lose access to Facebook Messenger.
• You will lose access to all third-party apps and websites where you used Facebook for login.
• The process takes up to 90 days for all residual data to be completely removed from backup systems.

What Happens to Messenger, Instagram, and Your Data?

Understanding the ecosystem of Meta's services is key to a clean break from Facebook.

Your Messenger Account

If you choose permanent deletion, your ability to use Messenger will cease. Unlike deactivation, which allows continued Messenger use, deletion removes the underlying Facebook profile that powers Messenger. All your message history will also be permanently deleted as part of the account deletion process.

Your Instagram Account

Since Instagram is a separate entity within Meta, deleting your Facebook account will not automatically delete your Instagram account, even if they were linked in the Accounts Center.

• You will lose the ability to log into Instagram using your Facebook credentials.
• You must ensure you have a separate, dedicated password for your Instagram account. If you don't, you must reset your Instagram password using the email or phone number associated with your Instagram profile before deleting Facebook.

The 30-Day Grace Period and How to Cancel Deletion

After you request permanent deletion, your account is immediately deactivated and enters a 30-day grace period. This period is a safety net provided by Meta to allow you to change your mind.

• To Cancel Deletion: Simply log back into your Facebook account on your mobile app or desktop browser within the 30-day window.
• A prompt will appear, asking if you want to cancel the permanent deletion request.
• Confirm your choice, and your account will be fully restored, making the deletion request null and void.
• After 30 Days: Once the 30-day grace period expires, the deletion is final and cannot be stopped. The full removal process from all servers then begins, which can take up to 90 days.