How to Reactivate a Facebook Account (Deactivated or Deleted)

Reactivating Facebook is one of the easiest account jobs there is, as long as you only deactivated it. Logging in is enough. The trouble starts when people aren't sure whether they deactivated, deleted, or were suspended, because each has different rules and deadlines. Here's how to tell which applies to you, and how to get back in.

How to reactivate a deactivated Facebook account

1. Go to Facebook on your phone or computer.
2. Log in with the email address or phone number and password you used before.
3. Follow any on-screen prompts. Your account is reactivated straight away.

Facebook also says you can reactivate by using your Facebook account to log in to another website or app. The one requirement is that you can still get into the email address or mobile number on the account, in case Facebook needs to send a code.

Deactivated, deleted or suspended?

Status	How it happened	Can you get back in?
Deactivated	You chose to deactivate	Yes, whenever you want, by logging in
Deletion requested	You asked to delete	Only by logging in within the cancellation window
Deleted	Deletion completed	No, you can't regain access
Suspended or disabled	Facebook took action	Only by appealing, within 180 days

If you asked Facebook to delete your account

Facebook doesn't delete accounts instantly. Its help says deletion is delayed, and a deletion request is cancelled if you log back in during that time. Facebook describes logging in within 30 days of deleting and choosing to cancel, but also says the number of days you can cancel varies by region. If you've changed your mind, log in as soon as possible and don't wait to find out where your deadline falls.

Once deletion is complete, there's no way back. Facebook is clear that you can't regain access to a deleted account.

Reactivating your Pages too

This catches business owners out. Facebook says that if you deactivated your account, any Pages that only you controlled were deactivated as well. To bring those Pages back, you have to reactivate your own account first. If your business Page has vanished, reactivating your personal account is step one.

Can't log in to reactivate?

• No access to the email or phone number. Facebook needs it to reactivate, so recover your email account first, or use Facebook's account recovery to update it.
• Forgotten password. Use Forgotten password on the login screen and reset it with your email or phone.
• The account was suspended, not deactivated. You'll see a message about it, and Facebook says you're prompted to appeal within 180 days.
• Menus look different. Facebook says you may see Accounts Center or Meta Account settings depending on your account.

Reactivating on the Facebook app

On a phone, open the Facebook app, or download it again if you deleted it, and log in with the same email or number and password. If the app remembers an old login, it may simply ask you to confirm it's you. If Facebook sends a code to your email or phone, enter it, and your account comes back. If you used Facebook to log into other apps while you were away, Facebook says that counts as reactivating too, so you may find you're already back.

Reactivating a second Facebook profile

Some people run more than one profile under the same account. Facebook has separate help for deleting, deactivating and reactivating an additional profile, so if it's a second profile that's gone quiet rather than your main one, switch to it from your main profile's menu and follow the prompts there.

What happens when you come back

While your account was deactivated, people couldn't see your timeline or search for you. When you reactivate, your profile returns as it was, with your photos, posts and friends. If you'd rather keep a lower profile when you return, check your privacy settings before you start posting again, and review who can see your past posts.

Before you deactivate again

If you deactivated because you needed a break, there are lighter options next time: mute notifications, take the app off your home screen, or limit who can see your posts. Deactivating is reversible, but if you run a Page alone it takes your business Page offline too, which is a lot to lose for a short break.

Once you're back in, check where you're logged in on Facebook to make sure no unfamiliar devices are signed in, and if the app misbehaves after a long break, see Facebook app keeps crashing.

My verdict

If you deactivated, just log in and you're back, as long as you can reach the email or phone on the account. If you requested deletion, log in quickly to cancel it before your region's window closes. And if your Page disappeared too, reactivate your personal account first, because Facebook won't bring the Page back until you do.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reactivate my Facebook account?

Log back in with your email or phone number and password, or log in to another app using Facebook.

Can I reactivate Facebook after deleting it?

Only if you log in before the deletion completes. Facebook says the cancellation window varies by region.

Why can't I reactivate my Facebook account?

You may not have access to the email or phone on the account, or it was suspended rather than deactivated.

Will my Facebook Page come back when I reactivate?

Pages only you controlled were deactivated with your account. Reactivate your account first to restore them.

Is my data still there after reactivating?

Yes for a deactivated account. Your profile returns as it was.

How long is there to appeal a suspended Facebook account?

Facebook says you're prompted to appeal within 180 days.