Facebook is getting more and more popular, but some people want to delete their Facebook account for reasons best known to them. For these people, we have prepared detailed instructions below.
If you’re considering deleting your Facebook account, you’re not alone. Many users choose to part ways with the platform due to privacy concerns or a desire to reduce distractions. However, the process of deletion is more complex than simply hitting a "Delete" button. This guide will provide you with all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition away from Facebook.
It’s important to understand the difference between deactivation and deletion. Deactivating your account allows you to temporarily hide your profile, making your content invisible while retaining access. On the other hand, deleting your account is permanent, meaning you will lose all your data and will not be able to access your profile again. Take a moment to reflect: Are you ready to fully commit to leaving Facebook behind?
Backup Your Data Before Deletion
Before you proceed with deleting your Facebook account, it's wise to create a backup of your data. This includes photos, contacts, and any other personal information you might want to keep. Once your account is deleted, you will lose access to this data forever, so it's essential to save it beforehand.
To save your Facebook data, follow these steps:
- Go to your account settings.
- Click on the "General" option in the upper left corner.
- Select "Download a copy of your Facebook data."
- Click the "Start Backup" button.
- Enter your account password, and the download will begin.
- Save this file in a secure location on your computer.
According to Facebook's user agreement, when you delete your photos and videos—or your account—data is removed similarly to a desktop recycle bin. While it may seem deleted, Facebook retains your data for a reasonable period before it's permanently removed from their servers.
Review and Disconnect Connected Apps
Facebook is deeply integrated into our daily online activities, allowing access to various apps and services. However, this access also means you're sharing your personal information with developers. Before you delete your account, you should disconnect any linked applications to protect your data.
To manage your connected applications, do the following:
- Navigate to the "Applications" tab in your account settings.
- Review the list of apps connected to your account.
- For each app, click the "Remove" or "Disconnect" option.
After disconnecting, don't forget to disable the Facebook login option for these applications. This ensures that developers can no longer access your data through your Facebook account.
Clear Your Facebook Activity History
Before deleting your account, it's a good idea to clear your activity history. This includes your notes, comments, and likes, which will disappear once your account is deleted. To take precautionary measures, visit your activity log and delete any unwanted items.
Here's how to clear your activity history:
- Click on "View Activity Log" on your profile cover.
- Review your activity and delete items by clicking the pencil icon next to each entry.
Make sure to explore all tabs in the left sidebar to ensure you don’t miss anything. The deletion page for Facebook accounts is intentionally hidden, so be diligent in your search.
Final Steps to Delete Your Account
Once you’ve backed up your data, disconnected apps, and cleared your activity history, you’re ready to delete your account. To do this, visit the Facebook help page specifically for account deletion, enter your login credentials, and confirm your decision.
After you initiate the deletion process, remember to stay away from your account for at least 14 days. Logging in during this period will restore your account. Although Facebook states that complete deletion takes about a month, they retain your information on their servers for 90 days before it's permanently erased.
Now that you have the knowledge on how to delete your Facebook account, you can follow these steps and move on to a life free from social media distractions!
READ ALSO: Nigerian best forum sites - Top 8
Source: Legit.ng
