In Facebook’s advertising interface, campaigns marked for deletion are not immediately erased. Instead, they remain archived and can often be brought back into active status. Below are the steps to locate and reinstate such campaigns.

  1. Access your Facebook Ads Manager account and switch to the appropriate ad account if needed.
  2. Click on the campaign tab and adjust the filter settings:
    • Select "Delivery" and choose "Deleted" to view inactive campaigns.
    • Ensure the date range includes the period when the campaign was active.
  3. Identify the campaign you want to recover and select it by checking the box beside its name.
  4. Click the "Duplicate" button to recreate the campaign in draft mode.

Note: Facebook does not support direct restoration of deleted campaigns. You must duplicate them to regain functionality.

To help track which campaigns can be restored, consider this table:

Status Recoverable Method
Deleted Yes Duplicate into a new draft
Archived Yes Reactivate directly
Removed over 30 days ago No Rebuild manually

Locating Deleted Campaigns in Facebook Ads Manager

When a campaign is removed from your dashboard, it doesn't immediately disappear forever. Facebook Ads Manager allows users to adjust filters and views to locate campaigns that have been deactivated or deleted. These campaigns are often just hidden from the default view, not permanently erased.

To find such campaigns, you need to use the filtering options within Ads Manager. This involves selecting specific parameters that reveal all historical data, including campaigns marked as deleted. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to uncover these hidden records.

Steps to Access Inactive Campaigns

  1. Open Ads Manager and go to the Campaigns tab.
  2. Click on the Filters button in the top menu.
  3. From the dropdown, choose Delivery and select All instead of just Active or Paused.
  4. Apply additional filters such as Time Range to ensure older campaigns are visible.

Even though deleted campaigns can be located using filters, they cannot be edited or restarted directly. Their data, however, remains accessible for analysis and duplication.

  • Viewable Data: Performance metrics, ad creatives, targeting settings
  • Limitations: Cannot resume the original campaign, only duplicate
  • Best Practice: Duplicate the deleted campaign and adjust as needed
Filter Type Option to Select Purpose
Delivery All Reveal campaigns regardless of status
Date Range Lifetime Include older campaigns
Search Campaign Name Direct access if name is known

Understanding Facebook’s Data Retention Policy for Deleted Campaigns

When a campaign is removed from Facebook Ads Manager, it's not immediately and permanently erased. Instead, the platform marks it as deleted and stores the associated data for a limited period. This retention window allows advertisers to access certain campaign insights and metrics even after deletion, which can be critical for performance reviews or auditing.

However, the accessibility of this information depends on how long ago the campaign was deleted and the type of data involved. Facebook applies strict retention rules, especially for logs and user-level data, which are often purged sooner than aggregate performance metrics.

Key Points of Facebook’s Campaign Data Retention

  • Deleted campaigns are stored temporarily for reference purposes.
  • Performance metrics (impressions, clicks, conversions) may remain visible for up to 24 months.
  • Audience-level data, such as demographics or custom audiences, is subject to stricter time limits.

Important: After the retention period expires, deleted campaigns and their associated data become irretrievable.

Data Type Approximate Retention Period
Campaign metadata (name, objective, status) Up to 24 months
Performance metrics (CTR, CPC, ROAS) Up to 24 months
Audience insights and user-level data 30-90 days
  1. Verify the campaign’s deletion date.
  2. Check the available metrics in Ads Manager under the "Account Overview" tab.
  3. Export relevant data before it becomes inaccessible.

Using Filters to Display Deleted Campaigns

To locate campaigns that were removed within Facebook Ads Manager, you can adjust the view settings by applying specific filters. These filters allow you to refine the displayed data, making it possible to review campaigns that no longer appear in your default dashboard.

By setting the status filter to include archived or deleted items, you gain access to campaigns that were previously hidden. This is especially useful when verifying performance data or identifying campaigns that need to be duplicated or reactivated.

Steps to Reveal Removed Campaigns

  1. Navigate to the Facebook Ads Manager dashboard.
  2. Click the Filters button above your campaign list.
  3. Select Delivery under filter options.
  4. Choose Inactive, Archived, or Deleted from the dropdown.
  5. Apply the filter to update your campaign view.

Deleted campaigns are not permanently removed immediately. Facebook retains them for review and duplication purposes unless manually archived.

Filter Option Purpose
Inactive Shows campaigns that stopped running due to schedule or budget limits.
Archived Displays campaigns manually moved to archive.
Deleted Lists campaigns marked for deletion but still available for limited recovery actions.
  • Use filters to audit past performance.
  • Identify campaigns available for duplication.
  • Cross-reference campaign settings before recreating them.

Restoring a Deleted Campaign from the Campaigns Tab

When managing multiple advertising initiatives, it's easy to accidentally remove a campaign. Fortunately, Facebook Ads Manager provides a way to view and retrieve campaigns that were previously removed. Accessing these campaigns requires adjusting specific filters within the campaign interface.

To bring back a removed campaign, you'll need to locate it first. The interface allows filtering by delivery status, which includes deleted items. Once found, the campaign can be reviewed and reactivated if needed. This process ensures that any mistakenly deleted efforts can be salvaged without rebuilding from scratch.

Steps to Locate and Reactivate a Removed Campaign

  1. Open Facebook Ads Manager and navigate to the Campaigns tab.
  2. Click on the Filters dropdown and select Delivery.
  3. From the delivery status options, choose Deleted.
  4. Find the campaign you want to restore in the list that appears.
  5. Click the checkbox next to the campaign and select Duplicate to recreate it.

Important: Deleted campaigns cannot be restored in their original form. You can only duplicate them and adjust settings if necessary.

Action Effect
Apply "Deleted" Filter Displays campaigns removed from active status
Duplicate Campaign Creates a copy of the deleted campaign with editable settings
  • Only campaigns deleted manually will appear under the "Deleted" filter.
  • Review duplicated campaign details before launching again.

Recreating a Deleted Campaign Using Archived Data

When an advertising campaign is removed from Facebook Ads Manager, the system does not allow for a direct restoration. However, if you have previously exported or documented the campaign settings, ad creatives, and targeting criteria, you can manually rebuild the structure. This process depends heavily on how comprehensive your archived data is.

Before beginning the recreation process, gather your backup data, which may include exported reports, screenshots, or spreadsheets detailing your original campaign. A well-documented archive makes replication faster and minimizes discrepancies in performance after relaunching the ads.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rebuilding a Lost Campaign

Important: Ensure your Business Manager has the correct permissions and access levels to create new campaigns with similar billing and targeting options as before.

  1. Access the archived data containing your previous campaign details.
  2. Log into Ads Manager and click on Create to start a new campaign.
  3. Select the objective that matches your previous setup (e.g., conversions, traffic).
  4. Manually input the targeting options such as location, demographics, and interests.
  5. Re-upload or recreate ad creatives using the original images, videos, and copy.
  • Review campaign budget and schedule based on the archived data.
  • Double-check all pixel and event tracking configurations.
  • Save the new campaign as a draft before publishing to verify accuracy.
Component Where to Find in Archived Data
Ad Copy Spreadsheets, Documented Templates
Targeting Criteria Screenshot or Exported Audience Settings
Budget Allocation Finance or Billing Records
Creative Assets Cloud Storage, Asset Libraries

Checking Activity History for Campaign Deletion Events

One of the first steps to investigate if a campaign was accidentally removed or deleted in Facebook Ads Manager is by reviewing the activity history. This history provides detailed logs of changes made within the Ads Manager, including campaign deletions. Tracking this information can help identify who performed the action and when it occurred.

To begin checking the activity history, navigate to the "Account History" section within the Ads Manager. This section records all actions performed on the account, from edits to complete deletions. It is crucial to examine this data to track the exact event of the campaign removal.

Steps to Review Activity History

  • Open Facebook Ads Manager and go to the "Account History" tab.
  • Set the desired time range to view specific activities related to campaign changes.
  • Look for entries marked as "Deleted" under the event type for relevant campaigns.
  • Click on the specific event to view detailed information, including the user responsible for the deletion and the timestamp.

Important Considerations

If you find a deletion event, pay close attention to the following points:

Field Description
Event Type Shows if the action was a deletion or any other modification.
User The person who made the change or deletion.
Timestamp The exact time when the deletion occurred.

Double-check the activity history to confirm if the deletion was intentional or accidental. This will help in restoring the campaign or identifying any issues that led to the removal.

Contacting Facebook Support for Campaign Recovery Assistance

If you find yourself unable to recover a deleted campaign on Facebook Ads Manager, contacting Facebook Support is your next best option. Support can provide specialized help in situations where standard recovery methods fail. However, you must be prepared with all relevant details to ensure a smooth process. Before reaching out, gather information such as the campaign name, ID, and the date it was deleted. This will assist support representatives in addressing your issue more effectively.

There are several ways to contact Facebook support, including through their help center, direct messages, or live chat (if available). Each option may have varying response times, so consider which method best suits your urgency. Be clear in your communication, and make sure to explain your issue in detail to expedite the recovery process.

How to Reach Facebook Support

  • Help Center: Visit Facebook's Help Center and search for campaign recovery topics. You may find automated solutions or get guidance on how to proceed.
  • Live Chat: If available, initiate a live chat with a support agent for more immediate assistance.
  • Support Inbox: If you’ve had previous communication with Facebook support, check your Support Inbox for updates on your issue.

Steps to Follow When Contacting Facebook Support

  1. Go to the Facebook Ads Manager and select Help & Support from the menu.
  2. Choose Contact Support to open the available communication channels.
  3. Provide detailed information about the deleted campaign, including its name and any other relevant data.
  4. If required, submit your request and wait for the response from Facebook's support team.

Tip: Ensure you are logged in with the account that managed the campaign to avoid delays in the support process.

What Information to Provide

Information to Provide Why It's Needed
Campaign Name Helps the support team identify the specific campaign.
Campaign ID Ensures that the correct campaign is located in Facebook's system.
Date of Deletion Important for tracking the campaign's deletion and understanding the timeline.

Preventing Accidental Campaign Deletion in the Future

Accidentally deleting a campaign in Facebook Ads Manager can be costly, but there are measures you can take to reduce the risk of such incidents. Preventing this requires a combination of proper settings, regular checks, and strategic management practices. Below are some of the most effective strategies to safeguard your campaigns from being unintentionally deleted.

One of the first steps to avoid accidental removal is to review the permissions set for team members who have access to your Ads Manager. Limiting administrative rights to only those who need them can significantly reduce the risk of a campaign being deleted in error. Additionally, setting up safeguards within your workflow can further ensure that accidental deletions are minimized.

Key Preventative Actions

  • Limit User Access: Only grant full permissions to trusted individuals. Use custom roles to restrict access to critical actions such as campaign deletion.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Secure your account with two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Regular Backups: Make use of backup tools or regularly export your campaigns to ensure you can restore any lost data quickly.

Additional Tools and Settings to Consider

  1. Activity Logging: Keep track of all actions performed within the Ads Manager by utilizing activity logs. This allows you to see who made changes to campaigns and when.
  2. Confirmations for Deletion: Enable confirmation prompts before any deletion action is finalized to avoid mistakes.
  3. Archive Instead of Delete: Archive campaigns instead of deleting them. Archived campaigns can be restored easily if necessary.

Best Practices for Preventing Accidental Deletion

Action Benefit
Limit Campaign Deletion Permissions Reduces the number of people who can delete campaigns by mistake.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication Provides an additional layer of security against unauthorized deletions.
Use Archiving Prevents permanent loss of campaigns by allowing you to restore them later.

“Prevention is better than cure. Setting up the right safeguards today can save you from significant losses in the future.”