How to Deactivate WhatsApp/Telegram in 2026: Updated Step-by-Step Guide by the Accounts Center

Deactivate vs. delete: what’s the difference?

Before taking any action, it’s essential to understand the difference between deactivating and deleting your WhatsApp/Telegram account — they are completely different processes with distinct consequences.

Temporarily deactivating:
  • Your profile, photos, comments, and likes are hidden
  • No one can find your profile or see your content
  • You can reactivate at any time by logging in again
  • Your data is fully preserved
  • Ideal for those who need a break without losing everything
Deleting permanently:
  • All data is irreversibly removed after 30 days
  • Photos, Stories, comments, likes, followers — everything is deleted
  • Your username becomes available to others
  • It is not possible to recover the account after the 30-day period
  • Final decision that cannot be reversed

How to temporarily deactivate WhatsApp/Telegram in 2026

In 2026, Meta unified account management through the Accounts Center. The deactivation process has changed compared to previous years. Here’s the updated step-by-step guide:

Through the app (Android and iOS)

  1. Open WhatsApp y Telegram and go to your profile (bottom right corner)
  2. Tap on the menu ☰ (top right corner)
  3. Select Accounts Center
  4. Tap on Personal data
  5. Select Account ownership and control
  6. Tap on Deactivation or deletion
  7. Select your WhatsApp/Telegram account
  8. Choose Deactivate account
  9. Select the reason for deactivation
  10. Confirm with your password
  11. Tap on Deactivate account to finalize

Through the browser (desktop)

  1. Go to instagram.com and log in
  2. Click on your profile picture (top right corner)
  3. Select Settings and privacy
  4. In the side menu, click on Accounts Center
  5. Navigate to Personal data > Account ownership and control
  6. Select Deactivation or deletion
  7. Choose the WhatsApp/Telegram account
  8. Select Deactivate account
  9. Confirm with your password

How to permanently delete WhatsApp/Telegram

Attention: deletion is irreversible after 30 days. Make sure you really want to lose all your data before proceeding.
  1. Follow steps 1-6 of the deactivation process
  2. Instead of "Deactivate account", select Delete account
  3. WhatsApp/Telegram will explain the consequences
  4. Select the reason for deletion
  5. Confirm with your password
  6. Tap on Delete account
  7. You have 30 days to change your mind by logging in again

Before deactivating or deleting

Download your data

Before taking any action, back up your content:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts Center > Your information and permissions
  2. Select Download your information
  3. Choose All information or select specific categories
  4. Choose format (HTML or JSON) and media quality
  5. Request the download — WhatsApp/Telegram will send a link via email within 48 hours

Revoke access from third-party apps