How to Deactivate Facebook Account

Need a break from Facebook? You can deactivate your account temporarily and reactivate it anytime. This guide shows you how step by step.

Important: Deactivate vs Delete

Understand the difference before proceeding:

Deactivate (Temporary):

• Your profile is hidden
• Can reactivate anytime by logging back in
• Friends can’t see your profile
• Your information is saved
• Messenger still works (optional)
• Reversible

Delete (Permanent):

• Account deleted after 30 days
• Cannot be recovered
• All data lost forever
• Irreversible

Example: Taking a social media break? Choose deactivate. Leaving Facebook forever? Choose delete.

What Happens When You Deactivate?

Once deactivated:

• Your profile disappears from Facebook
• Friends cannot find you or see your profile
• Your photos and posts are hidden (not deleted)
• Your name is removed from shared content
• Some information may still be visible (messages you sent)
• You can reactivate by logging in anytime

Example: If you commented on a friend’s post, the comment remains but shows as “Facebook User” instead of your name.

What You Need

Before deactivating:

• Facebook login credentials (email/phone and password)
• 2-5 minutes
• Can be done on phone app or computer
• Optional: Download your data first

Example: If you might want photos later, download them before deactivating.

Method 1: Deactivate Using Facebook App (Phone)

Step 1: Open Facebook App

Open Facebook app on your phone (Android or iPhone).

Make sure you’re logged into the account you want to deactivate.

Example: Blue Facebook icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Go to Menu

On Android: Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) at top right

On iPhone: Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) at bottom right

Example: This opens the main menu with all Facebook options.

Step 3: Navigate to Settings

1. Scroll down the menu
2. Tap Settings & Privacy
3. Tap Settings

Example: Settings is usually near the bottom of the menu.

Step 4: Find Account Center or Personal Information

Scroll down to find:

• Personal and account information or
• Account Center or
• Your Facebook Information

Tap on it.

Example: Location varies by Facebook version, but always under Settings.

Step 5: Select Deactivation

Look for:

• Deactivation and deletion or
• Account ownership and control

Tap on it, then:

1. Select Deactivate account
2. Tap Continue to account deactivation

Example: You’ll see two options: “Deactivate account” and “Delete account”. Choose Deactivate.

Step 6: Choose Reason (Optional)

Facebook asks why you’re deactivating.

Select any reason from the list:

• Temporary break
• Privacy concerns
• Too distracting
• Other reasons

Example: Reason doesn’t affect deactivation - you can skip or choose any option.

Step 7: Decide About Messenger

Facebook asks: “Do you want to stay on Messenger?”

Option 1: Keep using Messenger

• Select this to continue chatting
• Your Messenger works even with deactivated Facebook

Option 2: Deactivate Messenger too

• Uncheck the box
• Both Facebook and Messenger deactivate

Example: Most people keep Messenger active to stay in touch with friends.

Step 8: Confirm Deactivation

1. Review your choices
2. Tap Deactivate or Deactivate My Account
3. Enter your password if prompted
4. Tap Continue or Deactivate Now

Your account is now deactivated!

Example: You’ll be logged out immediately and your profile disappears from Facebook.

Method 2: Deactivate Using Computer (Website)

Step 1: Log Into Facebook

Open browser and go to: www.facebook.com

Log in with your email/phone and password.

Example: Works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or any browser.

Step 2: Access Settings

Click the down arrow (▼) at top-right corner of Facebook page.

Select Settings & Privacy from dropdown.

Then click Settings.

Example: The down arrow is next to the question mark icon at top right.

Step 3: Go to Your Facebook Information

In left sidebar:

1. Click Your Facebook Information or
2. Click Settings then scroll to find it

Example: Left sidebar shows all settings categories.

Step 4: Select Deactivation and Deletion

Click Deactivation and Deletion

You’ll see two options:

• Deactivate Account
• Delete Account

Select: Deactivate Account (first option)

Click Continue to Account Deactivation

Example: This is temporary - different from permanent deletion.

Step 5: Choose Reason

Select a reason from dropdown menu (optional):

• This is temporary
• Privacy concerns
• Getting too many notifications
• Other

Click Continue or scroll down.

Example: Facebook may show suggestions based on your reason - you can ignore them.

Step 6: Messenger Decision

Choose whether to:

• Keep Messenger active (recommended)
• Deactivate Messenger too

Check or uncheck the box based on your preference.

Example: “Continue using Messenger” - leave checked if you want to keep chatting.

Step 7: Final Confirmation

1. Review all settings
2. Enter your password when prompted
3. Click Deactivate Now or Deactivate
4. Confirm if asked again

Done! Your account is deactivated.

Example: Page redirects and you’re logged out automatically.

How to Reactivate Your Facebook Account

Changed your mind? Reactivating is easy:

To Reactivate:

1. Go to www.facebook.com or open Facebook app
2. Enter your email/phone and password
3. Click Log In
4. Your account is immediately reactivated

Everything returns exactly as you left it - friends, photos, posts, all intact.

Example: If you deactivated on January 1st and log in on January 15th, everything is restored instantly.

Download Your Data Before Deactivating

Want to save your photos and posts?

Download Your Facebook Data:

Using Phone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Your Facebook Information
3. Tap Download Your Information
4. Select data type (photos, posts, videos)
5. Tap Request Download
6. Wait for notification (can take hours or days)
7. Download when ready

Using Computer:

1. Settings → Your Facebook Information
2. Click Download Your Information
3. Select date range and data types
4. Click Create File
5. Wait for email notification
6. Download ZIP file

Example: Download includes all photos, videos, posts, messages, and profile information in ZIP format.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Can’t find “Deactivate” option Solution: Update Facebook app to latest version. Go to Play Store/App Store and update.

Problem: Forgot Facebook password Solution: On login page, click “Forgot Password”. Reset via email or phone number before deactivating.

Problem: Wants to deactivate but keep Messenger Solution: During deactivation, check the box “Keep using Messenger” or similar option.

Problem: Account automatically reactivates Solution: Don’t log into Facebook or click Facebook links. These reactivate your account.

Problem: Can’t deactivate - button not working Solution: Clear app cache (Settings → Apps → Facebook → Clear Cache). Or try using website instead of app.

Important Tips

• Deactivation is instant and reversible anytime
• Download important photos before deactivating
• Logging in automatically reactivates your account
• Clicking Facebook links may reactivate account
• Messenger can stay active while Facebook is deactivated
• Your username remains reserved for you
• No time limit - stay deactivated as long as you want
• Friends won’t be notified when you deactivate
• Can deactivate and reactivate as many times as you want
• Your data is saved - nothing is deleted

What Stays Visible After Deactivation?

Hidden:

• Your profile page
• Your posts on your timeline
• Your name in friend lists
• Your search results

Still Visible:

• Messages you sent (but name shows as “Facebook User”)
• Comments on others’ posts (name removed)
• Apps you logged into with Facebook
• Admin roles in groups or pages

Example: If you admin a business page, that page stays active even when your personal account is deactivated.

Alternative to Deactivation: Limit Activity

Don’t want to fully deactivate? Try these:

Option 1: Unfollow People

• Unfollow friends whose posts bother you
• Unfollow pages
• Your feed becomes quieter

Option 2: Turn Off Notifications

• Settings → Notifications
• Turn off all or specific notifications
• Less interruption

Option 3: Take a Break from Someone

• Visit their profile
• Click three dots (…)
• Select “Take a break”
• See less of their posts

Option 4: Delete Facebook App

• Keep account active
• Remove app from phone
• Access only from computer when needed

Example: Many find deleting the app but keeping account works well - reduces mindless scrolling.

Privacy Settings Before Deactivating

Consider adjusting these first:

Who Can See Your Posts:

1. Settings → Privacy
2. Set “Who can see your future posts” to Friends or Only Me

Who Can Find You:

1. Settings → Privacy
2. Limit who can look you up by email/phone
3. Control who can send friend requests

Review Old Posts:

1. Settings → Privacy
2. Use Limit Past Posts to make everything Friends-only

Example: If privacy is your concern, tighter settings might be better than deactivation.

For Business Pages and Groups

If you admin pages or groups:

Before Deactivating:

• Add another admin to groups/pages
• Your personal profile deactivates but pages/groups continue
• You can’t manage them while deactivated
• Transfer admin rights to trusted person

Example: If you run a business page with 1,000 followers, add co-admin before deactivating so page isn’t unmanaged.

Messenger After Deactivation

If You Keep Messenger Active:

• Continue chatting with friends
• Your profile picture and name show in Messenger
• Friends can message you
• You appear online when using Messenger

If You Deactivate Messenger Too:

• Cannot send or receive messages
• Old messages remain for others
• Must reactivate Facebook to use Messenger

Example: Most people keep Messenger active for communication while taking break from Facebook feed.

Deactivation Duration

How Long Can You Stay Deactivated?

• No time limit
• Can be deactivated for days, months, or years
• Your data is preserved
• Reactivate whenever you’re ready

Example: Some people deactivate during exam periods (2-3 months) then reactivate after exams.

What Happens to Tags and Mentions?

When Deactivated:

• Tags of you in photos remain but link is broken
• Your name in mentions shows as plain text
• Friends can’t click your name to view profile
• Photos with you still exist but your tag is removed

When Reactivated:

• Tags and mentions work again
• Friends can click your name
• Everything is restored

Example: Friend’s photo tagging you stays on their profile, but your name appears unlinked while deactivated.

Contact Information

Facebook Help Center:

• Visit: www.facebook.com/help
• Search “deactivate account” for official guides

Report Issues:

• Visit help center while logged in
• Submit report if you have problems

Before Deactivation:

• No customer support for deactivation decisions
• Process is automated

If Account Was Hacked:

• Don’t deactivate immediately
• Visit: www.facebook.com/hacked
• Secure account first

Benefits of Taking a Facebook Break

Mental Health:

• Less comparison to others
• More time for real life
• Better sleep (less late-night scrolling)
• Reduced anxiety

Productivity:

• More focus on work/studies
• Extra 1-2 hours per day
• Better time management

Relationships:

• More face-to-face interactions
• Deeper conversations
• Stronger real-life connections

Example: Studies show people report improved mood and productivity after social media breaks.

Preparing Friends for Your Deactivation

If you want friends to stay in touch:

Before Deactivating:

• Share WhatsApp number
• Give email address
• Exchange phone numbers
• Connect on other platforms

Example: Post status: “Taking a Facebook break. Reach me on WhatsApp: 0722123456 or Instagram: @john_kamau”

Final Checklist Before Deactivating

• Downloaded important photos and data
• Saved important messages
• Added co-admins to groups/pages you manage
• Shared alternative contacts with close friends
• Decided about Messenger (keep or deactivate)
• Know how to reactivate (just log in)
• Understand it’s temporary and reversible
• Tried other options (unfollowing, notifications off)

How Long Should You Deactivate?

Short Break (1-2 weeks):

• Good for exam periods
• Busy work seasons
• Quick reset

Medium Break (1-3 months):

• Develop new habits
• Focus on goals
• Mental health improvement

Long Break (6+ months):

• Major life changes
• Deep reflection
• Test if you really need Facebook

Example: Start with 2 weeks. If you feel better, extend to a month.

Life After Deactivation

People who deactivate often:

• Feel less stressed
• Sleep better
• Have more time
• Improve real relationships
• Focus better on work

But some miss:

• Event invitations
• Group updates
• Family photos
• Easy contact with acquaintances

Example: Weigh pros and cons for your personal situation.

Remember: You can reactivate anytime by simply logging back in. Take the break you need - your account will be there when you return!