How to Delete Facebook or Instagram (And What Happens When You Do)

How to Delete Facebook or Instagram (And What Happens When You Do)

It’s not just you — thousands of people are searching every day for how to delete Facebook or Instagram.
Whether it’s burnout, privacy concerns, or simply wanting a digital detox, more users are walking away from social media — and doing it for good.

If you’re ready to take that step, here’s exactly how to delete or deactivate your Facebook and Instagram accounts (and what you should know before you hit that button).

Why People Are Leaving Facebook and Instagram

According to recent search data, phrases like “how to delete Facebook permanently” and “how to delete Instagram account” have spiked by more than 300% since 2024.
Here’s why:

  • Privacy fatigue — too many data leaks and ads.

  • Mental health — social media overexposure and constant comparison.

  • AI-driven feeds — less control, more algorithm fatigue.

  • Time reclamation — users are craving focus, not endless scrolling.

For many, deleting their accounts feels like reclaiming attention, calm, and autonomy.

How to Delete Your Facebook Account (Step-by-Step)

Before you delete:

  • You can download a copy of your data (photos, posts, messages) via Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information.

  • You have the option to deactivate instead of delete — deactivation is temporary, deletion is permanent.

To permanently delete your Facebook account:

  1. Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Your Facebook Information.

  2. Click “Deactivation and Deletion.”

  3. Select “Delete Account” and confirm.

  4. Enter your password and click Continue → Delete Account.

Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind. After that, your data is gone.

How to Delete Your Instagram Account (Step-by-Step)

Like Facebook, Instagram lets you either deactivate (pause) or delete (permanent).

To delete your Instagram account permanently:

  1. Visit the Instagram deletion page at https://www.instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/.

  2. Log in if prompted.

  3. Choose a reason for deletion.

  4. Re-enter your password and click “Delete [username].”

Your profile and data will be removed after 30 days.
If you just want a break, choose Temporarily deactivate instead, under Profile > Edit Profile > Temporarily disable my account.

Before You Go — Think About What You’ll Lose

Once deleted, your photos, messages, comments, and followers cannot be recovered.
If you run a business or creator page, consider:

  • Downloading your media first.

  • Moving to alternative platforms (like Threads, BlueSky, or LinkedIn).

  • Keeping a backup account for login-linked services.

What Happens Next

After deletion, many users report feeling lighter. Without notifications and algorithmic feeds, your time and attention return to things that matter — work, family, hobbies, peace.

If you’re deleting your account to protect your data or mental health, you’re not alone.
As digital minimalism trends continue through 2025, more users are realizing: you don’t have to stay connected to feel connected.

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