Facebook and Messenger are two separate apps and accounts. This means you can delete your Facebook account while keeping your Messenger account active. Here are step-by-step instructions for deleting Facebook while keeping Messenger.
Back Up Your Facebook Data
Before deleting your Facebook account, it’s a good idea to download a copy of your Facebook data for your records. Here’s how:
- Go to the Settings menu and select “Your Facebook Information” in the left sidebar.
- Click “Download Your Information” at the top of the page.
- Deselect any categories you don’t need, like ads or log records. Make sure to keep posts, photos, comments, etc.
- Click “Create File” to start the download process.
- Facebook will prepare a zip file with your data and email you a link when it’s ready to download. This usually takes a few minutes up to a few days depending on how much data you have.
- Download and back up the zip file on your computer or other devices.
This will give you a copy of all your Facebook data for safekeeping before you delete your account.
Unlink Facebook From Other Apps and Services
Before deleting your Facebook account, unlink it from any third-party apps and services to ensure they aren’t affected:
- Go to Facebook Settings and select “Apps and Websites.”
- Click “Remove” next to any apps or sites you want to disconnect from Facebook.
- You may need to follow additional steps within each individual app or service to fully unlink them.
- Double check that your Spotify, Instagram, or other apps are not relying on Facebook for logins or other data.
This prevents apps and services from losing access when you delete your Facebook account.
Turn Off Facebook Login for Messenger
Make sure Messenger won’t get logged out when you delete Facebook:
- Open the Messenger app and go to your Profile.
- Tap “Account Settings.”
- Under “Login,” tap “Remove Facebook Account.”
This disconnects your Messenger app from your Facebook account so it won’t automatically log out when you delete Facebook.
Request Your Facebook Data Be Deleted
When you’re ready, request your Facebook account be permanently deleted:
- Go to the Delete Account page on Facebook.
- Click “Delete Account” and follow the prompts.
- Select “Delete Account” to confirm.
Facebook will now deactivate your account and begin permanently deleting all your data. This process takes around 90 days.
Stay Logged Into Messenger
As long as you disconnected your Messenger app from your Facebook login, you should stay logged into Messenger after deleting Facebook.
But if you find yourself logged out of Messenger, you can create a new Messenger account using your phone number. Your Messenger conversations and contacts will still be there.
Transition Friends to Other Contact Methods
Let any important Facebook contacts know that you are deleting your Facebook account and share other ways they can keep in touch:
- Text, phone, video chat
- Other social media accounts
- Messaging apps
Encourage close friends to download Messenger so you can stay in contact through chat or video calls.
Use Facebook Alternatives
There are many alternatives to Facebook’s services that allow you to stay socially connected:
Instead of Facebook…
| Use | Why |
|---|---|
| Share photos and videos | |
| Post status updates | |
| Snapchat | Share ephemeral photos |
| TikTok | Post short videos |
| Message friends | |
| Signal | Encrypted messaging |
The key is finding the right services for staying in touch with your unique social circles.
Instead of Facebook Events…
| Use | Why |
|---|---|
| Evite | Create online invitations |
| Paperless Post | Online card invitations |
| Punchbowl | Send invites via text |
| Eventbrite | Sell event tickets |
These services allow you to invite guests and manage RSVPs without Facebook.
Instead of Facebook Groups…
| Use | Why |
|---|---|
| Slack | Create professional groups |
| Discord | Gaming and hobby groups |
| Forums for any interest | |
| Group chats and messaging |
Find online communities tailored to your needs outside of Facebook Groups.
Conclusion
It takes effort to quit Facebook while maintaining your connections and activities. But by following the steps above, you can delete your Facebook account and still keep using Messenger to chat with friends.
Transition important Facebook connections to other communication channels and find alternative social platforms. With focus and determination, you can quit Facebook but retain truly valuable social ties.