Facebook’s frequent controversies are leading many to delete their accounts in protest, including several high-profile celebrities. Here we’ll show you how to delete your account. The social media platform has been criticized for mishandling user data and for refusing to fact-check political ads. Facebook has a wall of security settings with many sub-menus that can be confusing to navigate, however. Deactivating an account is a less committal action, and still leaves the account and its records on Facebook accessible to the public. Here is a guide that will help you permanently delete your account.
On a web browser, Facebook account settings are in a dropdown menu at the top right of your screen. To the right of the notifications bell is a question mark. Next to that is the drop-down menu with settings inside. There, you’ll find an array of options labeled “security and login,” and “Your Facebook Information.” In earlier versions, account deactivation was under security, but the latest update has added several new privacy options and shifting the menus. Now, account deactivation is under “Your Facebook Information.”
On mobile devices, the settings menu is also found at the top right. Go through the menu labeled “Settings and Privacy,” and access the settings menu. Every step from here is identical to the browser versions of Facebook.
Facebook Account Deletion and Alternatives
Inside of Your Facebook Information you can access activity logs and see the data Facebook’s recorded on your activity – both on and off the site. Account deletion is at the bottom of this menu. After clicking “Account Deletion and Deactivation,” you’ll see two boxes that explain either action. Deactivating your account disables the profile and removes your name from activity logs. However, you will still be able to use messenger. Deleting a Facebook account is a permanent action, so make sure you’ve saved anything important before proceeding. Once you delete your account you’ll no longer be able to use the messenger app.
Facebook’s expanded suite of privacy options are a new addition. You should look at them before committing to deactivating your account. Inside of “Your Facebook Information,” are two sections, one labeled “Access your Information,” and “Off-Facebook Activity.” The former allows you to view a log of activity conducted on Facebook. Towards the bottom of the page is a subsection labeled “Information About You,” where you can see the data Facebook’s collected on you based on your online activity. The offsite activity section allows you to manage where and what Facebook can record elsewhere on the internet and delete the data Facebook’s stored on it. You can also download your activity logs for personal use and storage.
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