Deactivate vs delete on Facebook, what's the actual difference and how do I just deactivate for a while?

Deactivating is the reversible break. Your profile, photos and timeline get hidden, people can't find you or your posts, but everything is saved and comes back the moment you log in again. Messenger can even keep working if you want. To do it: tap the menu (three lines) > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control > Deactivation or deletion > pick your Facebook profile > Deactivate account. Deleting is permanent: after a 30-day grace period everything is wiped for good, posts, photos, messages, all gone. If you're unsure, always deactivate, it's the no-risk option.

Simple rule: deactivate = pause, delete = gone. Deactivate hides you and you reappear on next login with everything intact. Delete has a 30-day cooling-off period, then it's permanent.

You can keep using Messenger while your Facebook is deactivated, there's a toggle for it during the process. Handy if you still need to chat but want off the main feed.

If you go for delete, actually log out and don't log back in for 30 days. Logging in cancels the deletion. People delete, then accidentally log in and reset the whole clock.