What is the difference between cancelling and deactivating your Facebook profile?
Before we get into the step-by-step guide, let’s clarify the difference between cancelling and deactivating your Facebook profile. When you cancel your Facebook profile, it is permanently deleted, and you will no longer be able to access any of your account information or data. On the other hand, deactivating your profile puts it in a dormant state. Your profile won’t be visible to others, but you can reactivate it at any time and regain access to all your information.
Step 1: Log into your Facebook account
The first step is logging into your Facebook account. Open your preferred web browser and go to the Facebook website. Enter your login credentials (email/phone and password) and click ‘Log In’.
Step 2: Navigate to the Settings page
After logging in, you will be directed to your Facebook News Feed. In the top-right corner of the page, you will find a downward arrow. Click on it to open a drop-down menu. From the menu, select ‘Settings’.
Step 3: Choose between cancelling and deactivating
On the ‘Settings’ page, you will see multiple options on the left-side menu. Scroll down until you find the ‘Your Facebook Information’ section. Within this section, click on ‘Account Ownership and Control’. Here, you will find options to cancel or deactivate your Facebook profile.
Step 4: Deactivate your Facebook profile
If you choose to deactivate your Facebook profile temporarily, click on the ‘Deactivation and Deletion’ option under ‘Account Ownership and Control’. From the choices provided, select ‘Deactivate Account’.
Step 5: Confirm your decision
Facebook will ask you to confirm your decision to deactivate your profile. It will also provide information about what happens when you deactivate your account. Read this information carefully. If you still want to proceed, click on the ‘Deactivate’ button.
Step 6: Reactivating your Facebook profile
If you ever decide to reactivate your Facebook profile, simply log in using your previous login credentials. Reactivating your account will reverse the deactivation process, and your profile will become visible again to other Facebook users.
Step 7: Permanently cancel your Facebook profile
If you are sure that you want to permanently delete your Facebook profile, choose the ‘Cancellation’ option instead of ‘Deactivation and Deletion’ in Step 3. On the cancellation page, Facebook will provide more information on the consequences of deleting your account. If you still want to proceed, click on ‘Cancel My Account’.
- Note: Cancelling your Facebook profile is irreversible. Make sure to backup any important data or information beforehand.
Now that you have a step-by-step guide on how to cancel or deactivate your Facebook profile, you can make an informed decision based on your needs. Remember, deactivation is a temporary option, while cancellation is permanent. Choose wisely and take control of your Facebook presence.