Deleting a Facebook account permanently without knowing the password can be a challenging process, but it’s not impossible. Many users lose access to their accounts due to forgotten passwords, hacking, or old login details, yet they still wish to remove their data from the platform permanently.
If you can’t remember your password, you’ll first need to reset it using your registered email or phone number. Once you regain access, you can proceed to delete your account permanently from the settings.
Why People Want to Delete Their Facebook Account?
There are several reasons users decide to delete their Facebook accounts permanently. Some of the most common include:
- Privacy and data security concerns
- Unwanted exposure of personal information
- Hacked or compromised account
- Excessive screen time and distraction
- Switching to other platforms like Instagram, Threads, or X (Twitter)
- Old inactive accounts no longer in use
Deleting your Facebook account ensures that all your personal data, photos, messages, and posts are completely removed from Facebook’s servers.
Understanding the Difference Between Deactivation and Deletion
Before learning how to permanently delete a Facebook account without a password, it’s important to understand the difference between deactivation and deletion.
- Deactivation temporarily disables your account. Your profile becomes invisible, but your data remains stored on Facebook’s servers. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in.
- Deletion, on the other hand, is permanent. Once deleted, your account and all its data — photos, posts, messages, and followers — are removed permanently and cannot be restored.
If you’re certain that you’ll never use the account again, permanent deletion is the right choice.
Can You Delete a Facebook Account Without a Password?
Yes, it’s possible but with some limitations. Facebook requires account verification before deletion, so you’ll need access to either your registered email or phone number to prove ownership. Without these, the process becomes slightly more complicated but still achievable using Facebook’s reporting tools.
Let’s go through all the available methods step by step.
Method 1: Reset Your Password and Delete the Account
The easiest way to delete your Facebook account without remembering the password is to reset it. Here’s how:
- Go to the Facebook login page.
- Click on “Forgotten password?” under the login section.
- Enter your email address or phone number linked to your account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
- Once you regain access, go to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Your Facebook Information → Deactivation and Deletion.
- Choose “Permanently Delete Account” and confirm your choice.
This method works best if you still have access to the email or number connected to your Facebook account.
Method 2: Delete an Account Without Access to Email or Password
If you no longer have access to your registered email or phone number, you can still request Facebook to remove your account permanently by proving your identity.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Facebook Help Center (https://www.facebook.com/help).
- Search for “Report a Login Issue” or “Report a Compromised Account.”
- Click on the relevant form.
- Fill in details such as your name, old email address, new contact email, and a brief explanation of the situation (e.g., you lost access to your old email and want to delete your account).
- Attach a clear photo of your government-issued ID (optional but helps verify ownership).
- Submit the form and wait for Facebook’s response.
Facebook typically reviews such requests within a few days. Once verified, they’ll assist you in deleting or securing the account.
Method 3: Report the Account as Fake or Impersonated
If the account is inactive or hacked, and you can’t access it, another effective approach is to report it for impersonation. This method works especially well if your account was cloned or taken over by someone else.
Here’s how:
- Visit your Facebook profile URL.
- Click on the three dots (…) below the cover photo.
- Choose “Find support or report profile.”
- Select “Pretending to be someone” → “Me.”
- Follow the prompts and submit the report.
After review, Facebook may deactivate or delete the account if it violates their policies. This method helps remove accounts you no longer control.
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Method 4: Contact Facebook Support Directly
Facebook provides contact forms for users who want to report lost or hacked accounts. You can directly message their support team through:
- Facebook Support Inbox: https://www.facebook.com/support
- Compromised Account Page: https://www.facebook.com/hacked
Explain your issue clearly and request permanent deletion of the account. Provide all possible details, such as the username, old phone number, or associated email address. Once Facebook confirms your identity, they will delete the account from their database.
Method 5: Request Account Removal for a Deceased Person
If you’re trying to remove the account of a deceased person and don’t have access to their password, Facebook allows you to submit a special memorialization or removal request.
Steps:
- Visit Facebook’s Memorialization Request page.
- Provide the full name, profile link, and proof of death (such as a death certificate or obituary).
- Select the option to “Request removal of this account.”
After reviewing the request, Facebook will permanently delete the account.
What Happens After Deleting a Facebook Account?
Once your deletion request is approved, Facebook allows a 30-day grace period. During this time, if you log back in, the deletion will be canceled, and the account restored.
After 30 days, all your account data including photos, posts, friends, and messages is permanently erased from Facebook’s servers. However, some residual data such as log records may remain temporarily for security purposes.
Tips Before Deleting Your Facebook Account
Before you proceed to permanently delete your Facebook account without a password, make sure to follow these steps:
- Download your data: Go to Settings → Your Facebook Information → Download Your Information to save photos, videos, and posts.
- Remove connected apps: Disconnect third-party apps or websites linked to Facebook.
- Inform contacts: Notify friends or family that your account will be deleted.
- Clear your browser cache: This ensures your old login sessions don’t cause confusion later.
Alternative Option: Account Recovery Instead of Deletion
If your goal is mainly to secure your privacy, consider recovering the account instead of deleting it. Resetting your password or updating recovery options can help you regain control and manage your data effectively without permanent loss.
If your account has been hacked, contains outdated information, or you’ve fully moved on from Facebook, permanent deletion remains the safest solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently delete my Facebook account from the mobile app?
Yes. After resetting your password, open the app → Menu → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivation and Deletion → Delete Account.
How long does it take for Facebook to delete my account permanently?
Facebook permanently deletes your account 30 days after the deletion request. During this period, if you log in, the deletion will be canceled automatically.
Can I recover my Facebook account after deletion?
No, once 30 days have passed, all your data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. You can only recover the account within the 30-day grace period.
What happens to my photos, messages, and posts after deletion?
All your content including photos, posts, and messages will be permanently erased from Facebook’s servers after deletion. Copies of messages sent to others may remain in their inboxes.
Can I delete a hacked Facebook account without logging in?
Yes. You can report the hacked account through facebook.com/hacked. Facebook will verify your identity and help you either recover or delete the account permanently.
What if someone created a fake Facebook account using my name?
You can report the fake account by visiting its profile → clicking the three dots (…) → selecting “Find support or report profile” → “Pretending to be someone” → “Me.” Facebook will review and remove it.
Does deleting Facebook also remove Messenger?
Yes. When you permanently delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account and all chat history are deleted as well, since both platforms are connected.
Conclusion
Learning how to permanently delete a Facebook account without a password may seem complex, but with the right steps, it’s entirely possible. Whether your account is inactive, hacked, or simply outdated, Facebook provides several recovery and deletion options for every scenario.
Always prioritize your data security and ensure you’ve backed up any valuable information before proceeding. Once deleted, your account and all associated data are gone for good.
