How to Deactivate Facebook Account (Mobile and Desktop)

Quick answer

To deactivate Facebook, open Settings, go to Accounts Center, choose the Facebook profile you manage, open Deactivation or deletion, select Deactivate, and follow the confirmation steps.

Facebook changes menu labels over time. Many people now see Accounts Center > Manage accounts > Manage, while others see Accounts Center > Personal details > Account ownership and control. Both paths lead to the same deactivation choice.

Deactivation is the better option when you are taking a break from Facebook and may return. If you are certain that you want permanent removal, compare deactivating versus deleting Facebook before you continue.

How to deactivate Facebook on iPhone or Android

1. Open the official Facebook app and switch to the profile you want to deactivate.
2. Open Menu, then choose Settings & privacy and Settings.
3. Open Accounts Center.
4. Choose Manage accounts and tap Manage next to your Facebook profile. If you do not see that path, open Personal details, then Account ownership and control.
5. Choose Deactivation or deletion.
6. Select the correct Facebook profile, choose Deactivate profile or Deactivate account, and tap Continue.
7. Enter your password if requested, choose a reason, and review each option before confirming.

Do not rush the final screen. Facebook may ask whether you want to keep Messenger, continue receiving notifications, or automatically reactivate after a set time.

How to deactivate Facebook on a computer

1. Sign in at the official facebook.com website.
2. Click your profile picture, then open Settings & privacy and Settings.
3. Open Accounts Center.
4. Choose Manage accounts or Personal details, depending on the menu shown.
5. Open Deactivation or deletion and select the Facebook profile you want to deactivate.
6. Choose Deactivate, click Continue, and complete the password and confirmation prompts.

If Accounts Center contains both Facebook and Instagram profiles, check the profile name and photo carefully. Deactivating one profile does not automatically mean that every linked profile will be deactivated.

What happens when you deactivate Facebook

• Your Facebook profile is generally hidden from other people.
• People may still see messages you sent before deactivation.
• Group or Page administrators may still see some past posts, comments, and your name.
• Pages that only you control can be affected, so assign another trusted person before deactivating.
• Apps and websites that use Facebook Login may stop working or may reactivate your Facebook profile when you sign in again.
• Messenger may remain active unless you separately turn it off or choose a different option during the deactivation flow.

Deactivation does not erase your account data. Facebook keeps the account so that you can restore it later.

Before deactivating your Facebook account

• Confirm that your recovery email address and phone number still work.
• Save photos, messages, or other information you may need while the profile is hidden.
• Transfer Page and group responsibilities to another trusted administrator.
• Make a list of services where you use Log in with Facebook and add another sign-in method when possible.
• Tell important contacts how to reach you outside Facebook.
• Review the Messenger choice shown on the final confirmation screen.

If you are unsure whether you will return, deactivation is safer than following a guide to delete a Facebook account.

How to reactivate a deactivated Facebook account

In most cases, you can reactivate Facebook by logging back in with the email address or phone number and password connected to the account. You need access to at least one recovery method if Facebook asks you to confirm your identity.

Be careful with third-party apps that use Facebook Login. Signing in to one of those services with Facebook can reactivate the profile earlier than you intended.

If you cannot find the deactivation setting

First update the Facebook app and check Accounts Center again. If you manage multiple profiles, switch to the correct profile before opening Settings. You can also try the desktop website because the menu can be easier to review on a larger screen.

If the setting is visible but Facebook will not accept your password, reset the password through an official Facebook page. If you cannot receive a security code or suspect that the account was hacked, use the Facebook login help guide before attempting deactivation again.

Facebook's current official instructions are available in Temporarily deactivate your Facebook profile.