Do you want to leave the social network? On the occasion of World Day Without Facebook, we guide you through the steps to follow to deactivate or permanently close your account.
February 28, 2018 is World Facebook Free Day, which takes place annually. But is it possible to delete your account if you no longer want to use it? The answer is yes. The editor even gives you the choice between deactivating your account or deleting it permanently.
Logically deactivation is a reversible process, useful if you want to leave Facebook for a while. Deletion is a permanent process that is not easy to find on Facebook. Here is how to perform both operations.
Deactivate your Facebook account
This function is available directly within the Facebook interface, with a web browser or with the mobile app. On a smartphone, tap the main menu icon (three horizontal bars at the top right for Android), then scroll down and tap Account settings, then General and Manage account.
Tap on Account Deactivate and choose a reason, for example I have another Facebook account. Finally touch the button Deactivate.
For the Web version, click on the triangle icon located at the top right of the site, then on Settings in the drop-down menu and General.
Click on Manage account, then in the sub-heading DISACTIVATE your account, click on Deactivate.
Permanently delete your Facebook account
The permanent deletion function is not directly accessible in the interface. You have to go through the help pages. Tap the main menu icon (the three horizontal bars), then tap Help pages. In the search box, type delete account and touch How to permanently delete my account in the list of responses. A page will then be displayed with the link let us know.
This link allows you to start the procedure by entering the password for your Facebook account and clicking on the button. Send.
For the web version, the process is similar. Click on the icon with the question mark to access the help pages and type delete account in the search box. Here is also a direct link to get to the delete step.
Once the transaction is confirmed, you have 14 days to change your mind by reconnecting to your account. But after this time, it will be too late and your account will no longer be accessible. It may take up to 90 days to delete all data.