How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Quick Summary:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy within your Facebook account.
2. Select Accounts Center and tap Personal Details.
3. Choose Account Ownership and Control.
4. Select Deactivation or Deletion and choose your profile.

Facebook has been a major part of many people’s lives for years. From sharing photos and staying in touch with friends to following businesses and news pages, it’s easy to see why so many people use it daily. However, there may come a time when you feel the need to step back.

Whether you want a break from social media, are concerned about privacy, or simply need to focus on other priorities, deactivating your Facebook account can be a smart and temporary solution.

This easy step-by-step guide explains how to deactivate your Facebook account, what happens when you do, how it differs from deleting your account, and how you can reactivate it anytime.

What Does It Mean to Deactivate Facebook?

Deactivating Facebook means temporarily disabling your account without deleting it permanently. When you deactivate your account, your Facebook profile is hidden from other users, and people will not be able to search for you or view your timeline, posts, or photos. This option is ideal if you want to take a break from Facebook without losing your account or personal information.

While your account is deactivated, Facebook securely stores your data, including your photos, friends list, and messages. Nothing is deleted, and you can reactivate your account at any time simply by logging back in with your email or phone number and password. This makes deactivation a safe and reversible choice for anyone who may want to return later.

Deactivate vs Delete Facebook: What’s the Difference?

What Happens When You Deactivate Facebook?

Before deactivating, it helps to know what to expect:

• Your name and profile disappear from Facebook searches

• Friends cannot view your timeline

• Your comments may still appear, but without a profile link

• Groups you admin may be affected (assign a new admin first)

• Facebook keeps your messages, photos, and friends list safe

Your data is not deleted, just hidden.

How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account (Step-by-Step)

Method 1: Deactivate Facebook on Mobile App (Android & iPhone)

1. Open the Facebook app

2. Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top corner

3. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy

4. Tap Settings

5. Select Accounts Center

6. Tap Personal Details

7. Choose Account Ownership and Control

8. Tap Deactivation or Deletion

9. Select your Facebook account

10. Choose Deactivate Account

11. Follow the on-screen instructions

12. Enter your password to confirm

Your account will be deactivated instantly.

Method 2: Deactivate Facebook on Desktop (PC or Laptop)

1. Go to facebook.com

2. Log into your account

3. Click your profile picture in the top right

4. Select Settings & Privacy

5. Click Settings

6. Open Accounts Center

7. Choose Personal Details

8. Click Account Ownership and Control

9. Select Deactivation or Deletion

10. Choose Deactivate Account

11. Confirm with your password

That’s it, no complicated steps.

Can You Still Use Facebook Messenger After Deactivation?

Yes, Facebook allows you to continue using Messenger even after your Facebook account has been deactivated. While your main Facebook profile stays hidden and cannot be searched or viewed by others, your existing Messenger conversations remain active, allowing friends and family to contact you as usual.

However, your name may still appear in chat threads, and people can continue sending you messages unless you choose to disable Messenger separately. This option is especially helpful if you want to stay connected for communication purposes while taking a break from browsing Facebook posts, news feeds, and notifications.

How to Reactivate Your Facebook Account

Reactivating Facebook is extremely easy.

To reactivate:

1. Go to facebook.com

2. Log in using your email/phone and password

3. Your account is instantly restored

All your:

• Friends

• Photos

• Posts

• Groups

• Pages

…will return exactly as they were.

Is Deactivating Facebook Safe?

Yes, deactivating Facebook is safe and officially supported by Facebook. It is a secure and reversible option that allows you to temporarily disable your account without deleting your personal information or activity history.

While your account is deactivated, your data remains protected under Facebook’s privacy and security policies. Nothing is permanently removed, and you can restore full access at any time simply by logging back into your account.