A Guide to
Deleting Meta Accounts

(Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)

So you want to delete your Meta accounts? These guides are here to help you through the process.

No sugar-coating here—it’s a big step to take. However, the privacy of you and your contacts is worth the time and effort involved. Completing the steps in this guide may take several days, and you'll need some technical skills to manage your digital files successfully.

Depending on how you use these services, the decision to delete your accounts could affect many areas of your digital life, so it’s essential to carefully review the considerations for each service.

This guide aims to ensure you have secure and private alternatives to these services so you can still connect and share with the people around you.

You'll be guided to copy your important memories from these platforms. This includes saving photos, videos, and conversations that you’d like to keep. Thankfully, each service provides options to download your data. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring nothing precious is left behind.

Once your memories are backed up, it’s time to dive into the deletion process itself. Each platform has its own set of rules and timeframes for account deletion, and this guide will take you through them step-by-step.

Please ensure you read this guide in full before taking any practical steps.

Here’s what you can expect from this guide...

01. Investigate

Consider which alternative services you may need to keep in touch and create new accounts.

02. Notify

Reach out to your important contacts and provide them an alternative way to reach you.

03. Copy

Creating a copy of your photos, chats and other memories.

04. Delete

Submitting the deletion requests to the individual services.

Take me to...

Signal Logo
Alternative Services

Click to explore private & secure alternative services.

Phone Icon
Resources & Notifying Contacts

Resources to help you understand and for reaching out to your important contacts.

Facebook Logo
Delete Facebook

Click to jump to the resources and steps to delete Facebook.

Instagram Logo
Delete Instagram

Click to jump to the resources and steps to delete Instagram.

WhatsApp Logo
Delete WhatsApp

Click to jump to the resources and steps to delete WhatsApp.

Question Mark
FAQ

Got questions about the process, here's some answers.

Alternative Services

Leaving the mainstream services doesn't mean you need to disconnect. Check out these people focused options instead.

Although it's not required for the deletion of your Meta accounts, utilising a privacy focused email when setting up any new services is ideal.

Proton Mail is a privacy-centric email provider offering end-to-end encryption and a strong stance on user data protection. Built by CERN scientists, it’s a great alternative to mainstream email platforms like Gmail and Outlook, with features that ensure your communications remain private.

Key Features: End-to-end encryption, no tracking, secure servers in Switzerland.
Get Started: proton.me

Mastodon is a decentralised social media platform that operates on independently run servers. Users can join servers that align with their interests, but still interact with users across the entire network. With no ads or algorithms controlling your feed, Mastodon provides a refreshing approach to social networking.

Key Features: Customisable communities, chronological timelines, open-source platform.
Get Started: joinmastodon.org

Bluesky is a new social networking platform based on the AT Protocol, which aims to give users control over their online presence and data. Bluesky offers a sleek, Twitter-like experience while prioritising decentralisation and user autonomy. Access is currently invite-only, as the platform is in its beta phase.

Key Features: Customisable algorithms, decentralised identity, user-focused innovation.
Get Started: bsky.social/about

Signal is a highly secure messaging app designed with user privacy in mind. It offers end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and media. Signal is known for its simple, ad-free interface and strong commitment to protecting your data. It's an excellent alternative to WhatsApp for private communication.

Key Features: Encrypted chats, voice and video calls, disappearing messages.
Get Started: signal.org

Resources & Notifying Contacts

Understanding the current issues at Meta and why your privacy matter are key to explaining to others why you'd want to delete your Meta accounts.

This might be one of the more difficult steps in this process. Encouraging people to use new, privacy focused systems will likely be difficult due to the lack of awareness around privacy. Let's look at some resources to assist the process.

Naomi Brockwell @ YouTube
Naomi Brockwell is a content creator and privacy advocate. Naomi has produced many great YouTube videos covering all facets of online privacy. Here are several videos to get you started:

■ Why you NEED to care about privacy - youtu.be/MBBOjf7fLrc
■ “I Have Nothing to Hide” – The Dangerous Myth About Privacy - youtu.be/Hcqh0ZSza50
■ They're not SELLING your data. It's MUCH worse... - youtu.be/_hx9S5EclyA
■ How to convince your friends to use a private messenger - youtu.be/s9Ux8DFgMSM

Council of Geeks @ YouTube
Council of Geeks describe themselves as examining "various aspects and impacts of geek fandom/culture through some genderfluid person ranting at the camera". They have covered large portions of the changes at Meta and why it's becoming dangerous for all marginalised folks:

■ Meta makes Facebook & Instagram unsafe for LGBTQ+ users -  youtu.be/xZUa0SdGZp8

This guide is in response to Meta changing its hateful conduct policy to "allow more free speech" on its platforms.

This changes mean:
■ LGBTQIA+ people can be described as "mentally ill" and transgender people “do not exist”.
■ Changes suggest it may now be possible to compare women to household objects or property.
■ Compare people to faeces, filth, bacteria, viruses, diseases and primitives.

Additionally Meta have continued to erode visibility and support for marginalised people by:
■ Ending their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs.
■ Removing tampons from men's restrooms which impacts nonbinary and transgender employees who may need such amenities.
■ The removal of transgender and nonbinary background customisation options from the Facebook Messenger application.
■ Meta are preparing their staff and contractors charged with enforcing its policies by creating a new guideline telling moderators what is now allowed on Facebook and Instagram.

Sources: ABC Australia, The Guardian, The Economic Times & Platformer

Hi [Name],

I wanted to let you know I’ve decided to delete my Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp accounts to prioritise my privacy and online security. While this wasn’t an easy decision, it feels like the right step for me. I plan on deleting these accounts on [planned date].

We can still stay in touch! Here’s how you can reach me:
Signal: [Your Signal number or username]
Email: [Your email address]
Phone: [Your phone number]

If you’re exploring new platforms, I’m also on:
Mastodon: [Your Mastodon handle]
Bluesky: [Your Bluesky handle]
Feel free to reach out anytime - I’d love to stay connected! Let me know if you need help setting up Signal or any of these alternatives.

Cheers,
[Your Name]

Subject: Staying Connected Beyond Meta

Hi [Name],

I’m reaching out to let you know about an important decision I’ve made: I’ll be deleting my Meta accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This wasn’t an easy choice, but after reflecting on my online privacy and the way these platforms handle data, I’ve decided it’s the best step for me. I plan on deleting these accounts on [planned date].

While these platforms have been useful for staying in touch, I believe it’s important to prioritise privacy—for myself and those I connect with. That said, I don’t want to lose contact with the people who matter most, and I’ve set up a few alternative ways for us to stay connected:

Signal: A private and secure messaging app that’s free to use. You can message me there at [your Signal number or username].
Learn about Signal

Email: Feel free to drop me an email anytime at [your email address].

Mastodon or Bluesky: If you’re exploring decentralised social platforms, you can find me on:
Mastodon: [your Mastodon handle]
Join Mastodon
Bluesky: [your Bluesky handle]
Learn about Bluesky

Phone: For calls or texts, you can reach me at [your phone number].

These platforms are not only secure but also respect privacy in a way I feel more comfortable with. I’d love to continue staying in touch and hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out through any of the methods above.

Thanks for understanding my decision and for your continued connection - I really value it. If you’d like help setting up any of these new platforms, let me know, and I’ll be happy to assist!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Deleting Facebook

🛑Please ensure you review all details listed in this section prior to deleting your Facebook account. There are several key considerations you should ideally check prior to deletion.

■ After 30 days of your deletion request, you won't be able to reactivate your account
■ Your profile, photos, posts, videos and everything else you've added will be permanently deleted. You won't be able to retrieve anything you've added.
■ You'll no longer be able to use Facebook Messenger.
■ You won't be able to use Facebook Login for other apps that you may have signed up for with your Facebook account, such as Spotify or Pinterest. You may need to contact the apps and websites to recover those accounts.
■ Some information, such as messages you sent to friends, may still be visible to them after you've deleted your account. Copies of messages that you've sent are stored in your friends' inboxes.
■ If you use your Facebook account to log in to Meta Quest, deleting your Facebook account will also delete your Meta Quest information. This includes your app purchases and your achievements. You will no longer be able to return any apps and will lose any existing store credits.

Let's explore more of these below.

If you run any Facebook groups or pages, or use Meta Business Suite, ensure you assign new admins. Without an admin, your groups or pages might become inactive or be deleted.

Manage Facebook Groups:
You can view and manage the groups you admin here: facebook.com/groups/

Manage Facebook Pages:
To manage pages you admin, visit: facebook.com/pages/?category=your_pages

These links will take you directly to the sections where you can review your groups and pages, assign new admins, and make necessary changes before deleting your account.

Further information can be found here:  business.facebook.com

Memorialised Accounts: If a Facebook user passes away, their account can be memorialised, allowing loved ones to preserve their online presence. Memorialised accounts display the word "Remembering" next to the person's name and are not included in birthday reminders or public searches.

Legacy Contacts: You can designate a trusted person as your legacy contact to manage your account after you pass away. They can write pinned posts, update profile pictures, and download a copy of shared posts, but they cannot log in as you or view private messages.

Consider if you are a legacy contact for another Facebook user. Do you need to discuss alternatives for their account or remove the account before you delete your?

Learn more about these features here: facebook.com/help/1568013990080948

Special request for a medically incapacitated or deceased person's account: facebook.com/help/contact/228813257197480

Many apps and websites allow you to log in using your Facebook account. Ensuring that if you delete Facebook you won't loose access to theses services too. eg. Spotify, Pinterest, Facebook Messenger & Meta Quest accounts.

Review: Make a list of apps and services linked to your accounts. You can inspect these connections here: facebook.com/settings?tab=applications

Update: Ensure you change your login method on the listed apps and services to avoid losing access. Unfortunately, some services may not have a way to change your login method, this might involve making copies of any important information, and setting up a new username and password directly with those services if you'd like to continue using them.

Use this method to obtain a copy of your existing Facebook and Instagram information. The delete Instagram guide is provided for those who don't have Facebook accounts.

Note: Your download or transfer won't include information that someone else shared, such as another person's photos that you've been tagged in.

On the Web:
1. Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
2. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. In the left column, select Your Facebook Information.
4. Click Download Your Information.
5. Choose the data you want, select the date range, format (HTML is recommended), and media quality.
6. Click Create File and wait for the download link.

On Mobile:
1. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner.
2. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. Scroll down to Your Facebook Information and tap Download Your Information.
4. Follow the same steps as above to select and download your data.

Further information can be found here: facebook.com/help/1701730696756992

Begin the process and check the status: accountscenter.facebook.com/info_and_permissions/dyi/

After 30 days, your account and all of your information will be permanently deleted, and you won't be able to retrieve your information.

On the Web:
1. Click your profile picture in the top right of Facebook.
2. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
3. Click Your Facebook information.
4. Click Deactivation and deletion.
5. Choose Delete account, then click Continue to account deletion.
6. Click Delete account, enter your password and then click Continue.

Further information can be found here: facebook.com/help/250563911970368

Deleting Instagram

🛑Please ensure you review all details listed in this section prior to deleting your Instagram account. There are several key considerations you should ideally check prior to deletion.

■ After 30 days of your account deletion request, your account and all your information will be permanently deleted, and you won't be able to retrieve your information.

If you have any Facebook pages you manage with Instagram / Meta Business Suite, if this Facebook pages is still required, ensure you assign another admin to operate the page.

Learn more about these features here: facebook.com/business/help/720478807965744

Many apps and websites allow you to log in using your Facebook account. Ensuring that if you delete Facebook you won't loose access to theses services too. eg. Spotify, Pinterest, Facebook Messenger & Meta Quest accounts.

Review: Make a list of apps and services linked to your accounts. You can inspect these connections here: instagram.com/accounts/manage_access/

Update: Ensure you change your login method on the listed apps and services to avoid losing access. Unfortunately, some services may not have a way to change your login method, this might involve making copies of any important information, and setting up a new username and password directly with those services if you'd like to continue using them.

Use this method to obtain a copy of your existing Instagram information. These instructions are a summary for Instagram via a web browser. This process varies considerably depending on the device you're using. See the link below for methods on a mobile & other devices.

Access Your Information:
Go to Settings > Your Activity > Download Your Information.

Choose Your Download Options:
Select the profiles you want to download information from.
Specify the amount of information, date range, format, and media quality.
Decide whether to:
Download to a Device: Files will be prepared for download.
Transfer to a Destination: Choose where to send the data and schedule transfers.

Submit Your Request:
Click Create Files and enter your password if prompted.

Track Progress:
Requests will appear as In Progress in the Current Activity section.
Once ready, you’ll be notified by email and on Instagram. You’ll have 4 days to download your files.

Access Completed Requests:
Find finished downloads in the Available Downloads section.
Transfers will be in the Previous Transfers section.

Notes:
It may take up to 30 days for the download link to be sent.

Further information can be found here: help.instagram.com/181231772500920

After 30 days, your account and all of your information will be permanently deleted, and you won't be able to retrieve your information.

On the Web:
1. Click your profile picture in the top right of Facebook.
2. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings.
3. Click Your Facebook information.
4. Click Deactivation and deletion.
5. Choose Delete account, then click Continue to account deletion.
6. Click Delete account, enter your password and then click Continue.

Further information can be found here: help.instagram.com/370452623149242

Deleting WhatsApp

🛑Please ensure you review all details listed in this section prior to deleting your WhatsApp account. There are considerations you should ideally check prior to deletion.

■ You can't regain access to your account. Unlike Facebook and WhatsApp, deleting your account is irreversible.
■ Delete your account from WhatsApp and all your devices.
■ Erase your message history.
■ Delete you from all of your WhatsApp groups.
■ Delete your Google Account backup.
■ Remove you as a channel admin or follower, but not delete any updates you made or channel interactions like reactions or poll votes.
■ Delete any channels you created if there aren’t additional channel admins.
■ This won’t delete chats with your WhatsApp contacts.

If you want to delete your channel and your WhatsApp account, delete your channel first. Your channel and channel updates may not be deleted automatically.
If you have other channel admins, channel ownership will transfer to the admin who has followed the channel longest.
If you're the only channel admin, your channel will be deleted.

Further information can be found here: faq.whatsapp.com/2138577903196467

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Request account info.
2. Tap Request report.
3. You'll receive a notification when your report is ready to download.

Note: This report doesn't include your chat history. Please review the next section for chat backups.

Note: Individual chats needs to be saved one at a time. There isn't a way to save all chats.

1. Open the chat you want to save.
2. Tap the contact's name at the top.
3. Scroll down and tap Export Chat.
4. Choose whether to include media or not.
5. Select how you'd like to save or share the chat.

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap More options > Settings > Account > Delete my account.
3. Enter your phone number in full international format and tap Delete account.
4. Select a reason for why you're deleting your account in the dropdown.
5. Tap Delete account.

Further information can be found here: faq.whatsapp.com/2138577903196467

FAQ

Ensure you review each of the questions below before taking actions from this guide on your accounts.

This guide is in response to Meta changing its hateful conduct policy to "allow more free speech" on its platforms. 

This changes mean:
■ LGBTQIA+ people can be described as "mentally ill" and transgender people “do not exist”.
■ Changes suggest it may now be possible to compare women to household objects or property.
■ Compare people to faeces, filth, bacteria, viruses, diseases and primitives.

Additionally Meta have continued to erode visibility and support for marginalised people by:
■ Ending their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs.
■ Removing tampons from men's restrooms which impacts nonbinary and transgender employees who may need such amenities.
■ The removal of transgender and nonbinary background customisation options from the Facebook Messenger application.
■ Meta are preparing their staff and contractors charged with enforcing its policies by creating a new guideline telling moderators what is now allowed on Facebook and Instagram.

Sources: ABC Australia, The Guardian, The Economic Times & Platformer

Facebook and Instagram offer a 30 day grace period. Logging in during this time will cancel the deletion request. WhatsApp deletions are immediate and irreversible.

Your Facebook Messenger conversations are backed up when you request a download of your Facebook information.
Your Threads are backed up when you request a download of your Instagram information.

Once your information has been copied to your device and the account deleted, it's yours! Doesn't that feel good? Keeping this data safe and secure your responsibility.

It's always recommended to follow the 3-2-1 backup rule with any important information:

■ Maintain 3 copies of your information. The copy you just made on your device counts as a single copy, now create some additional copies. USB drives and cloud storage are great options.

■ Ensure that the copies are kept on 2 different types of storage mediums. A laptop, CD/DVD, USB Drive or cloud storage are all different storage mediums.

■ Ensure you keep at least 1 copy in an off-site location. A trusted friend or family member's home or cloud storage are great options.

This guide is provided in good faith as a general resource to assist with the process of deleting Meta accounts. It is an incomplete work in progress and should not be considered comprehensive or definitive.

This guide was last updated on 17 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of writing, information contained herein is subject to change without notice. CorgiTech and its representatives make no guarantees, express or implied, regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information provided.

By using this guide, you acknowledge and agree that you are doing so at your own risk. CorgiTech and its representatives are not responsible for any data loss, disruption to your digital services, or other consequences arising from the use of this guide.

Before proceeding, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have securely backed up all important data and confirmed that you no longer require access to the services provided by the accounts you intend to delete.

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or technical advice. If you have concerns or questions about deleting your accounts or the potential implications, you are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

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