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    Social Media
    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsApril 8, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Permanently Delete Your Social Media Accounts

    Ready to leave a social media platform? Here is how to fully delete your account on every major service.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Social Media
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    delete
    privacy
    facebook
    instagram
    twitter
    beginner

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Download your data first
    2. 2.Delete Facebook
    3. 3.Delete Instagram
    4. 4.Delete X (Twitter)
    5. 5.Delete TikTok
    1

    Download your data first

    ~15s
    Before deleting, download a copy of everything you have posted. Facebook: Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information. Instagram: Settings > Accounts Center > Your information and permissions > Download your information. This gives you a backup of photos, posts, and messages.
    2

    Delete Facebook

    ~19s
    Go to Settings > Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion > Delete Account. Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind. After 30 days, the deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

    Warning

    Deactivating is different from deleting. Deactivating hides your profile but keeps your data. Deleting permanently removes everything after 30 days.

    3

    Delete Instagram

    ~15s
    Go to Settings > Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion > Delete Account. Like Facebook, you have 30 days to change your mind.
    4

    Delete X (Twitter)

    ~15s
    Go to Settings > Your Account > Deactivate your account. X keeps your data for 30 days, then deletes it. You cannot reactivate after 30 days.
    5

    Delete TikTok

    ~15s
    Go to Settings and Privacy > Account > Delete Account. TikTok deactivates for 30 days, then deletes permanently. During the 30-day window, you can log back in to cancel the deletion.

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    privacy
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    instagram
    twitter
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    Official Resources

    Facebook Help CenterAARP Social Media GuideFTC — Social Media Safety

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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