To deactivate your account temporarily or permanently, the steps differ depending on whether you want a break from Facebook or Instagram or to leave them for good. For a temporary break, your profile is hidden but your data is saved; for permanent deletion, all your content is removed and you cannot come back.
How to deactivate your account temporarily on Facebook
- Open Facebook and tap your profile picture or the Menu icon.
- Go to Settings & privacy > Settings.
- Select Accounts Center, then tap Personal details.
- Choose Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion.
- Select your Facebook profile and choose Deactivate account.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
Your profile will be hidden from others, but you can still use Messenger. When you log back in, your profile and all your previous content will be restored.
How to permanently delete your Facebook account
- Navigate to Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings.
- Open Accounts Center and tap Personal details.
- Select Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose your Facebook profile and tap Delete account.
- Follow the instructions to confirm permanent deletion.
All your photos, posts, videos, and other added content will be permanently removed. You will not be able to reactivate the account or recover any data.
How to temporarily deactivate your Instagram account
- Log into the Instagram app or Instagram.com.
- Go to your Profile, then tap Settings (the three-line menu).
- Select Accounts Center > Personal details.
- Tap Account ownership and control, then Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose your Instagram profile and select Deactivate account.
- Confirm the deactivation.
Your photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate. Note that you can only temporarily deactivate your Instagram account once per week.
How to permanently delete your Instagram account
- Open the Instagram app and go to your Profile.
- Tap the Menu icon (three lines) and select Settings and privacy.
- Open Accounts Center, then tap Personal details.
- Select your account and tap Delete account.
- Follow the prompts to confirm permanent deletion.
This action is irreversible. All your photos, videos, comments, and followers will be permanently lost, and you cannot recover the account.
How to reactivate your account after temporary deactivation
Simply log back into Facebook or Instagram using your usual email or phone number and password. Your profile, photos, posts, and settings will be restored exactly as they were before deactivation. There is no time limit on how long you can stay deactivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my data while my account is temporarily deactivated?
Your data is preserved on the platform’s servers. Photos, messages, and settings remain stored and will reappear when you reactivate. No one else can see your profile during deactivation.
Is there a limit on how long I can keep my account deactivated?
No. You can leave your Facebook or Instagram account deactivated for as long as you want. There is no automatic reactivation deadline.
Can I still use Messenger after deactivating Facebook?
Yes. Temporarily deactivating your Facebook profile does not affect your access to Messenger. You can continue sending and receiving messages.
Can I undo permanent deletion?
No. Once you permanently delete your Facebook or Instagram account, the action cannot be reversed. All content is removed, and you must create a new account to use the platform again.
Does deactivating my account remove my phone number from the platform?
No. Temporary deactivation hides your profile but does not remove your contact information. If you want to fully remove your data, including removing phone numbers from accounts, you must choose permanent deletion.
Related reading: How To Remove A Phone Number From Instagram Personal Information and How To Invite Your Facebook Friend To Join Instagram.
