How to Delete a Business Account in Facebook Ads Manager
Question: How to delete a business account in Facebook Ads Manager safely, and what should be considered before deletion?
Answer: Deleting a business account is a critical process. Facebook requires following rules for deactivation, campaign transfer, and deletion timing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understand how to delete a business account in Facebook Ads Manager safely.
1. BM Deactivation
Before permanently deleting a Business Manager (BM), it must be deactivated. Go to Business Settings → “Business Info” → “Deactivate Business”. This temporarily disables access to ad accounts, pages, and pixels but does not remove data permanently.
After deactivation, ensure all employees and partners lose access and that the BM is not involved in active campaigns.
2. Campaign Transfer
If there are active ad campaigns on the account, they must be transferred to another Business Manager or completed. Facebook does not allow deletion of BM with active campaigns.
Check that all payments are settled and limits are considered before transfer. Use the “Assign Owner” feature to transfer campaigns to another BM to avoid losing budget and data.
3. 24-Hour Deletion Window
After BM deactivation and campaign transfer, you can start the deletion process. Facebook sets a 24-hour window for final removal. During this time, the BM remains in “Deletion Scheduled” status, and deletion can be canceled from the dashboard if needed.
After completion, the BM is permanently deleted, and access to ad accounts and pages is lost. Recovery requires creating a new account.
Conclusion: To safely delete a business account, deactivate it first, transfer active campaigns, and consider the 24-hour deletion window. Following these steps minimizes the risk of data and budget loss.