What is the difference between deactivating and deleting Facebook?
The short answer
Deactivation gives you a temporary break while keeping your posts. Deletion is intended for leaving permanently. If you are unsure whether you want to leave for good, consider deactivation first.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Decide whether you want to hide the profile temporarily or close the account permanently before opening settings.
- Save any photos and contact details you need. If you use Facebook Login elsewhere, check how you would sign in to those services separately.
- In Accounts Center, open Personal details, account ownership and control, then deactivation or deletion. Carefully select the intended profile.
- Choose deactivation for a break. For deletion, read the consequences and cancellation conditions on screen before confirming your choice.
The situation
You are studying for exams and want to disappear from Facebook for a month. Deactivation and deletion sit next to each other on the screen. Choose deactivation for a break; permanent deletion is unnecessary here.
What this answer is based on
Facebook Help Center — Permanently delete your Facebook accountwww.facebook.comGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Read the official Help text available in search about deactivation and deletion. Opening the Help page directly asks for sign-in; account actions were not tested.
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Sources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development