National Unfriend Day
Celebrate National Unfriend Day: A Day of Digital Clean-Up
Mark your calendars for November 17: National Unfriend Day is a chance to take a fresh look at your social media connections. The day focuses on unfriending people you no longer want on your list, while also offering a moment to reflect on the relationships you value—both online and off.
History and Origin
According to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jimmy Kimmel created National Unfriend Day on November 17, 2010, to celebrate getting rid of Facebook friends you no longer need. Kimmel encouraged people to free themselves from those connections, and the annual observance has since invited people to consider who they want to keep on their friends lists.
Why It Matters
Social media can make it easy to build a long list of friends, followers, and acquaintances. But if someone’s posts are bothering you and hiding them isn’t enough, unfriending them can be an option. As ABC News reports, doing so can leave you with a smaller list of people you actually care to stay connected with. National Unfriend Day is a reminder to consider which connections you want in your online space.
Fun Facts About National Unfriend Day
- Jimmy Kimmel created the holiday to celebrate unfriending Facebook friends you no longer need.
- National Unfriend Day is observed on November 17.
- According to ABC News, hiding someone’s posts may not be enough if their posts are still annoying you.
Ways to Celebrate National Unfriend Day
Now that you know why National Unfriend Day began, you might wonder how you can celebrate. Here are some ideas to mark the day:
- Review Your Friend List: Spend some time going through your social media accounts. Consider whether you want to keep certain connections or if it’s time to say goodbye.
- Reflect on Relationships: Think about who matters in your life. Make a list of friends or family members you haven’t connected with in a while and reach out to them.
- Curate Your Feed: If someone’s posts bother you, consider hiding their posts or unfriending them if hiding isn’t enough.
- Appreciate Your Friends: Use the day to show appreciation for the people you want to stay connected with. Send them a message or let them know you’re glad they’re in your life.
- Take a Social Media Break: Go offline for the day and spend time with family or friends doing an activity together.
Happy National Unfriend Day! Take the opportunity to make your online space feel right for you and appreciate the connections you choose to keep.
When is National Unfriend Day?
National Unfriend Day: Every year on November 17.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 17 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | November 17 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | November 17 | Friday |
| 2029 | November 17 | Saturday |
| 2030 | November 17 | Sunday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 22, 2026 · Last updated October 22, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Unfriend Day in 2026?
National Unfriend Day is on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. After that, it falls on Wednesday, November 17, 2027. Every year on November 17.
Is National Unfriend Day a public holiday?
No. National Unfriend Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did National Unfriend Day start?
Jimmy Kimmel created National Unfriend Day on November 17, 2010, to encourage people to remove Facebook friends they no longer wanted on their lists.
What does National Unfriend Day celebrate?
National Unfriend Day is a chance to review your social media connections, unfollow or unfriend people you no longer want in your online space, and appreciate the relationships you value.
How can you celebrate National Unfriend Day?
Review your friend lists and consider hiding or unfriending accounts whose posts bother you. You can also reach out to people you care about, show appreciation for friends, or take a social media break.
Sources
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Jimmy Kimmel Celebrates National Unfriend Day: Who Made the Cut?
- ABC News: National Unfriend Day: Why It's OK for Facebook Users to Slim Down Your Friends List
✓ Date matches Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Jimmy Kimmel Celebrates National Unfriend Day: Who Made the Cut? (checked automatically on October 21, 2026).
