Do Inactive Facebook Accounts Get Deleted?

Do Inactive Facebook Accounts Get Deleted?

Facebook usually does not delete inactive accounts on its own. If you deactivate your account, it won’t be deleted, it just becomes hidden until you log back in. If you delete your account, Facebook gives you 30 days to change your mind. After that, the account is permanently removed.

For deceased users, accounts can be memorialized or deleted based on what the user or their family decides. Accounts that break Facebook’s rules, like fake profiles or accounts used for scams, might be removed from the platform.

Long periods of inactivity, sometimes lasting several years, usually don’t lead to deletion, but Facebook might ask you to re-verify your account. This is rare, though, and most inactive accounts stay as they are. To keep your account active, all you need to do is log in from time to time or interact a little. That way, your account remains safe and accessible whenever you need it.

However, Facebook may disable or delete your account if it appears to have been hacked or compromised and we are unable to confirm ownership of the account after a year, or if the account is unused and remains inactive for an extended time.

What Happens If My Facebook Account Is Hacked Or Compromised?

At Facebook, protecting your safety and account security is a top priority. If Facebook detects unusual activity, your account may be temporarily locked as a precaution to protect you. Should this happen, Facebook provides clear steps you can follow to regain access and unlock your account.

However, if an account remains locked for over a year without being unlocked, Facebook may delete it. This helps ensure that unused accounts are not vulnerable to misuse or harmful activity. By taking these measures, Facebook aims to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Facebook Unused Accounts

Accounts that are unused and inactive for a long time may be disabled and deleted. Several signals are considered to determine if an account is unused, such as whether you have recently logged in or signed into another service using your account. Other factors include prior activity, like adding photos, friends, or following Pages.

How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account

Provided below is how you can delete your account, depending on the method you prefer:

Using the Accounts Center

Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of Facebook.
Select Settings & Privacy, then choose Settings.
Access the Accounts Center at the top left of the screen.
Under Account Settings, go to Personal Details.
Select Account Ownership and Control, then choose Deactivation or Deletion.
Pick the account or profile you want to delete.
Choose Delete Account.
Click Continue and follow the instructions to confirm your choice.

Through Facebook Settings

Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of Facebook.
Select Settings & Privacy, then choose Settings.
Navigate to Your Facebook Information.
Click Deactivation and Deletion.
Select Delete Account, then click Continue to Account Deletion.
Confirm by clicking Delete Account, entering your password, and clicking Continue.

READ: How Do I Know If My Facebook Account Is Deactivated Or Deleted?

Can You Cancel the Deletion Process?
Yes, you can cancel the deletion within 30 days of starting it. After 30 days, your account and all associated data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Facebook may take up to 90 days to fully erase your content, though it will not be visible during this time.

How to Cancel Account Deletion:

Log in to your Facebook account within 30 days of starting the deletion process.
Click Cancel Deletion to restore your account.
Some of your data may remain in backups for system recovery, legal purposes, or safety reasons even after deletion.

Facebook usually does not delete inactive accounts automatically, but action might be taken if an account stays inactive for a long time or shows unusual activity. To keep your account secure and accessible, it is a good idea to log in occasionally and update your information as needed. Visit the website for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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