Facebook is a great place to connect with friends, but sometimes you might want a break. If you are wondering how to deactivate Facebook, don’t worry—it’s easy! This guide will help you step by step. Whether you want to take a short break or leave Facebook for good, we will show you the right way to do it.
Many people deactivate their Facebook accounts for privacy reasons, to avoid distractions, or to take a social media detox. If you also feel the same, knowing how to deactivate Facebook will help. You can either temporarily deactivate your account or delete it forever. Let’s explore both options so you can make the best choice.
What Happens When You Deactivate Facebook?
When you deactivate Facebook, your account becomes hidden from other users. However, some information may still be visible in certain places.
- Your profile and timeline disappear from public view.
- Your messages and comments on others’ posts remain.
- Your name may still appear in friends’ lists.
- You can reactivate your account anytime by logging back in.
If you keep Messenger active, you can still chat with friends. Your name and profile picture may still be visible in conversations.
How to Deactivate Facebook on a Computer – Step-by-Step Guide
If you are using Facebook on a computer, follow these steps to deactivate your account easily.
- Open Facebook and log into your account.
- Click on the down-arrow icon at the top-right corner.
- Select Settings & Privacy and then click Settings.
- Click Your Facebook Information from the left menu.
- Select Deactivation and Deletion.
- Choose Deactivate Account and click Continue to Account Deactivation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm your decision.
After deactivation, your profile will not be visible, but you can log in anytime to reactivate it.
How to Deactivate Facebook on a Mobile Phone (Android & iPhone)
You can also deactivate your Facebook account using the mobile app by following these simple steps.
- Open the Facebook app and log in to your account.
- Tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom (iPhone) or top (Android).
- Select Settings & Privacy and tap Settings.
- Tap Account Ownership and Control.
- Choose Deactivation and Deletion.
- Tap Deactivate Account and then Continue to Account Deactivation.
- Follow the instructions and confirm your choice.
Your Facebook profile will be hidden, and you can reactivate it anytime by logging in.
How Long Can You Keep Facebook Deactivated?
Facebook does not set a time limit for deactivation. You can keep your account deactivated for as long as you want.
- Your account will remain hidden until you decide to log in.
- If you do not log in, your account stays deactivated indefinitely.
- If you change your mind, just log in to reactivate your account.
- If you want a permanent break, you should delete your account instead.
Many users choose deactivation over deletion because it allows them to return anytime without losing their data.
Can You Still Use Messenger After Deactivating Facebook?
Yes, you can continue using Messenger even after deactivating Facebook, but there are a few things to know.
- You must select Keep Using Messenger during deactivation.
- Friends can still send you messages on Messenger.
- Your profile picture and name will still be visible in chats.
- You can deactivate Messenger separately if you don’t want to use it.
If you don’t want to receive messages, you should deactivate Messenger as well.
How to Reactivate Facebook After Deactivation
Reactivating your Facebook account is very simple. Just follow these steps:
- Open Facebook on your browser or app.
- Enter your login details (email or phone number and password).
- Click Log In.
- Your account will be restored instantly with all your data.
If you have trouble logging in, reset your password to regain access.
How to Permanently Delete Facebook Instead of Deactivating
If you no longer want to use Facebook, you can permanently delete your account instead of deactivating it.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click Your Facebook Information.
- Select Deactivation and Deletion.
- Choose Delete Account and click Continue to Account Deletion.
- Follow the instructions and confirm deletion.
Important Notes:
- You have 30 days to cancel deletion if you change your mind.
- After 30 days, all your data is permanently deleted.
- Messages you sent to others may still be visible.
What’s the Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting Facebook?
Both options let you leave Facebook, but they have key differences.
| Feature | Deactivation | Deletion |
| Account Visibility | Hidden | Permanently removed |
| Messages | Still visible | May remain |
| Friends List | Hidden | Deleted |
| Reactivation | Anytime | Not possible after 30 days |
If you are unsure, deactivation is the best option as you can reactivate your account anytime.
Conclusion
Now you know how to deactivate Facebook on a computer or mobile device. Whether you need a short break or want to leave Facebook forever, this guide helps you make the right choice. You can always reactivate your account later if you change your mind.
If you decide to delete Facebook permanently, remember that your data will be gone forever after 30 days. Make sure to back up important information before proceeding. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to manage your Facebook account.
FAQs
Q: Can I still use my Facebook login for other apps after deactivating Facebook?
A: No, if you deactivate Facebook, you won’t be able to log into other apps using Facebook. You should change your login method before deactivation.
Q: Will my photos and posts be deleted after deactivating Facebook?
A: No, your photos and posts remain stored by Facebook. They will be visible again if you reactivate your account.
Q: Can people still tag me after I deactivate my Facebook account?
A: No, your profile won’t appear in tags, but old tags may still exist in past posts.
