What is the difference between deactivating and deleting your Facebook account?
When you decide to step back from Facebook, it’s important to understand the difference between deactivating and deleting your account. Both options allow you to remove your online presence, but suit different needs and circumstances. Let’s dive into the differences between the two.
Deactivation vs. deleting a Facebook account: the main differences
Deactivating and deleting your Facebook account differ mainly in what happens to your data and whether you can reverse your decision. Here are some key differences you need to be aware of.
Account accessibility
Deactivating your Facebook account is a temporary action that allows you to take a break from the platform without permanently losing access. Consider this an account suspension; you can reactivate it at any time.
On the contrary, deleting a Facebook account is a permanent decision. Once you do this, all data associated with your profile, including messages, photos and connections, will be deleted after a 30-day period. After this period, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Messenger Access
app on smart phone” src=”https://static1.makeuseofimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/someone-using-the-messenger-app-on-a-smartphone.jpg” style=”display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;”/> When you deactivate your Facebook account, you retain access to Facebook Messenger, which means you can still chat with friends even without an active Facebook profile. Your name will still appear in your friends’ Messenger contacts.
Unlike deactivating, deleting your account will completely remove your access to Messenger. All of your Messenger chat history is deleted and friends will no longer be able to contact you through the platform. Messages you have previously sent will appear as coming from “Facebook User” and your account will not be accessible for any future messages or replies.
Data Retention
Whether you choose to deactivate or delete your account, Facebook will hide your profile, posts and content from other users, meaning that others will not be able to find your profile or interact with your posts because they will be invisible.
However, when you deactivate your account, Facebook will keep all your data for easy reactivation. If you choose to return, your posts, photos, and connections will be restored exactly as they were.
On the other hand, deleting your account is a more permanent measure. Facebook will start deleting your data completely after the 30-day period, and the deletion process can take up to 90 days. After the 30-day period, your information will become unavailable and you will not be able to recover it.
Deactivation vs. delete facebook account: Which one should you use?
Now that you understand the implications of deactivating or deleting your Facebook account, let’s discuss which option is best for you.
Deactivating your account is a better option if you want to step back temporarily—perhaps to achieve a digital detox—or if you’re not sure you’re going to leave Facebook for good. Deactivating is also useful if you don’t want to use Facebook but still want to connect with your friends via Messenger.
If you are determined to leave Facebook and no longer want to be connected to the platform, deleting your account is the right course of action. Additionally, deleting your account guarantees that most of your data will be permanently removed from Facebook’s servers, freeing you from any lingering digital footprint or privacy concerns associated with Facebook.
How to reactivate your Facebook account after deactivation or deletion
If you have only deactivated your Facebook account, the process of reactivating it is simple. All you have to do is visit the Facebook login page on any device and enter your login information (email or phone number and password).
If you have decided to delete your Facebook account, you must log into your Facebook account within 30 days of deleting your account. When done, click on Undelete a button will appear to confirm the decision.
Deciding between deactivating and deleting your Facebook account largely depends on what you want to achieve. If you’re unsure, deactivating first gives you time and space to consider whether leaving Facebook is the right decision for you. If you choose to do so, you can make your choice permanent by deleting your account.