The more social media accounts you have, the more data companies collect on you. There’s an easy way to clean up your old posts from Twitter, Facebook, Imgur and more. Tap or click here for a tool that can automatically remove posts from over 20 sites and apps.
Some of us have been on Facebook for years, meaning we have several years’ worth of photos and videos stored there. If you’re ready to pull the plug, here’s how to get all your media off Facebook.
Grab your stuff and go
Facebook’s built-in downloader tool makes it easy to download your entire history, including photos and videos. You can do this via desktop or mobile.
You will also have the option to download your messages, stories, and Reels.
I recommend selecting the HTML download format to make your data easier to read in your web browser. Select the JSON format to import your data to another app or service.
Downloading your data via the Facebook mobile app
- Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line hamburger menu.
- Tap Settings & privacy > Settings.
- Scroll down and in the Your information section, click Download your information.
- On the next page, select Request a download.
- Next, you’ll be asked to select the accounts and profiles you want to be included in your download. (NOTE: If you have a Facebook and Instagram account, you can request a download with info from both.)
- Select Complete copy for a file that includes all information available. Or, choose Select types of information for a file that will include the information you choose for your selected profiles.
- On the next page, click Submit request.
Shutting down your account
Gather any contact information you need from your Facebook friends before you go. You may have no other way of contacting some of them. If you have a Page set up for your business or just for fun, you’ll have to turn ownership over to someone else, as this will be deleted along with your account.
Be warned that you can’t get anything back once you delete your Facebook account. Your profile, photos, comments, posts, videos, and anything you’ve added and posted will be gone.
Are you ready to extricate yourself from Facebook? It’s easiest to do this on a computer. Here’s how:
- Log into Facebook and click your profile picture in the top-right.
- Tap Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- In the Accounts Center block on the left side of the page, tap See more in Accounts Center.
- Click Personal details under Account settings.
- Click Account ownership and control.
- Click Deactivation or deletion.
- Choose the account or profile you want to delete.
- Select Delete account.
- Click Continue, then follow the instructions to confirm.
You have 30 days to change your mind about deleting your account. After that time passes, you can’t take it back. To cancel the deletion process, log in to your Facebook account and click Cancel Deletion.
Facebook may take 90 days from start to finish to delete everything you’ve posted. The good news is other users can’t see your profile during this time. Facebook also says it may keep your info for legal issues and terms violations, among other things.
