Understanding the Difference
Before we dive in, let us clarify the two options:
- Deactivation: This is temporary. Your account goes dormant but can be reactivated.
- Deletion: This is permanent. Your account and data are removed forever.
The steps we have to follow for Facebook Account deactivation
If you are unclear if you want to leave Facebook permanently, deactivating is an excellent option. Which is as follows:
- Click the account menu down arrow at the top right of any Facebook page
- Select ‘Settings & Privacy’ > ‘Settings’
- Tap ‘Your Facebook Information’ which is located on the left column
- Choose ‘Deactivation and Deletion’
- Click ‘Deactivate Account’ and then click ‘Continue to Account Deactivation’
- Choose a reason for leaving
- Otp out of emails from Facebook (if you want)
- Click ‘Deactivate’
Finally, your account is now deactivated and now you can reactivate it anytime by logging in again with your credentials.
Steps to Delete Your Facebook Account
If you are sure about leaving Facebook for good then follow these steps:
- Go to the Delete Your Account page on your Facebook account
- Click ‘Delete Account’
- Enter your password
- Click ‘Continue’
- Click ‘Delete Account’
What Occurs When You have Deleted Your Account?
When you delete your account:
- You can not regain access once it is deleted
- Some info, like messages you have sent to friends, may still be visible
- Facebook delays deletion for a few days after it is requested
- If you log in with in the given period of time then the deletion is cancelled
Downloading Your Information
Before you delete your account, you might want to download your whole data of your Facebook account. Here is how:
- Go to see ‘Settings & Privacy’ and then ‘Settings’
- Click ‘Your Facebook Information’
- Click ‘Download Your Information’
- Choose options, date range and format
- Click ‘Create File’
- You will get a notification when your file is ready to download
