Screenshot of the Facebook mobile app settings menu showing the ‘Settings & Privacy’ section expanded, used for explaining how to deactivate Facebook account.
The Facebook mobile app's settings menu with the 'Settings & Privacy' section expanded—first step in deactivating your Facebook account.

How to Deactivate Facebook Account in 2025 | Mobile & Desktop

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In today’s digital world, managing your online presence is more important than ever. Whether you need a break from social media, want to protect your privacy, or simply want to take control of your Facebook account, deactivating your Facebook account can be a helpful option. Unlike deleting your account permanently, deactivation allows you to temporarily disable your profile, giving you the flexibility to return whenever you want.

 

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to deactivate your Facebook account on both mobile devices and desktop browsers — updated for 2025. We’ll also clarify the difference between deactivation and deletion, and address common issues that users face. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident and informed about managing your Facebook account your way. Let’s get started!

What Does Deactivating a Facebook Account Mean?

Deactivating your Facebook account is like hitting the “pause” button on your social media presence. When you deactivate, your profile and timeline become invisible to other users, but Facebook keeps all your data stored securely. This means your friends won’t be able to see your posts or search for you, but your messages might still be visible to them.

What Does Deactivating a Facebook Account Mean?

Deactivating your Facebook account is like hitting the “pause” button on your social media presence. When you deactivate, your profile and timeline become invisible to other users, but Facebook keeps all your data stored securely. This means your friends won’t be able to see your posts or search for you, but your messages might still be visible to them.

  • Your profile won’t appear on Facebook until you reactivate.
  • Photos, videos, and posts are saved and not deleted.
  • You can still use Messenger unless you choose to deactivate it separately.

Can people still see your profile or messages?

While your profile is hidden, messages you’ve sent in Messenger will still be visible to recipients. This allows you to stay in touch even if your account is deactivated.

Deactivation vs Deletion: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between deactivating and deleting your Facebook account is important to make the right choice for your needs.

difference between deactivating and deleting your Facebook account.

What is deactivation?

Deactivation temporarily disables your account. Your profile, posts, and photos become invisible to others, but Facebook retains all your data. You can reactivate your account anytime by simply logging back in. This option is perfect if you want a break without losing your content or connections.

What is deletion?

Deletion is permanent. When you delete your Facebook account, all your data—photos, posts, messages, and friends—is permanently removed. Facebook usually offers a grace period (typically 30 days) during which you can cancel deletion, but after that, recovery is impossible.

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose deactivation if you want to take a temporary break but plan to return.
  • Choose deletion if you want to permanently leave Facebook and erase all your data.

If you want to delete your account, Facebook’s official deletion page can guide you through the process. However, this post will focus on how to deactivate your Facebook account for now.

How to Deactivate Facebook Account on Mobile (Facebook App)

Deactivating your Facebook account from your mobile device is quick and easy. Follow the steps below based on your device type.

Steps for Android Users

  • Open the Facebook app on your Android device.
  • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
  • Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then select Settings.
  • Scroll down to the Your Facebook Information section.
  • Tap Account Ownership and Control.
  • Tap Deactivation and Deletion.
  • Select Deactivate Account, then tap Continue to Account Deactivation.
  • Follow the prompts, enter your password if asked, and confirm deactivation.

Steps for iPhone Users

  • Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner.
  • Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
  • Scroll down and find the Your Facebook Information section.
  • Tap Account Ownership and Control.
  • Tap Deactivation and Deletion.
  • Choose Deactivate Account and tap Continue to Account Deactivation.
  • Enter your password if prompted, and complete the steps to confirm.

How to Deactivate Facebook Account on Desktop (Browser)

If you prefer using a desktop or laptop, here’s how to deactivate your Facebook account via any web browser:
  • Open your preferred browser and go to facebook.com. Log in to your account if you haven’t already.
  • Click the down arrow icon in the top-right corner of the Facebook toolbar.
  • Select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu.
  • Click Settings.
  • In the left sidebar, click Your Facebook Information.
  • Click on Deactivation and Deletion.
  • Select Deactivate Account, then click Continue to Account Deactivation.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions. You might need to enter your password and provide a reason for deactivating.
  • Confirm to complete the deactivation.
: Illustration of a deactivated Facebook profile with pause symbol

How to Deactivate Facebook Account Using Facebook Lite App

If you use Facebook Lite, the lightweight version of Facebook for slower connections, follow these simple steps:

  • Open the Facebook Lite app on your phone.
  • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) icon, usually at the top right.
  • Scroll down and tap Settings.
  • Under Account Settings, tap Personal and Account Information.
  • Tap Account Ownership and Control.
  • Select Deactivation and Deletion.
  • Choose Deactivate Account and tap Continue to Account Deactivation.
  • Follow the prompts, enter your password if required, and confirm the deactivation.

Can't Find the Deactivation Option? Here's What to Do

Sometimes, Facebook changes its interface, making it tricky to find the deactivation option. If you’re struggling, try these tips

Navigate Through New Facebook Settings

  • Facebook often updates its menus. Make sure you’re looking under Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Account Ownership and Control.
  • If you don’t see the option, try searching “Deactivate” in the Facebook settings search bar.

Try Deactivation from Facebook Account Center

Facebook’s Account Center (usually under Settings) lets you manage connected accounts and may have deactivation options if your accounts are linked.

Update Your App or Try Desktop Alternative

  • Ensure your Facebook app is updated to the latest version.
  • If the option still doesn’t appear on mobile, try using a desktop browser to deactivate your account.

What If You Can’t Log In or Access Your Email?

If you’re unable to log into your Facebook account or don’t have access to the email linked to your account, deactivating your Facebook account can be challenging. Here’s what you can do:

Recovering Your Account First

  • Use Facebook’s Account Recovery options by clicking Forgot Password on the login page.
  • Try to recover your email or phone number associated with the account.
  • Follow Facebook’s identity verification steps to regain access.

Deactivation Alternatives When Access Is Lost

  • If you can’t recover your account, you cannot deactivate it yourself.
  • Ask a trusted Facebook friend to report your account as compromised or hacked via Facebook Help Center.
  • Facebook may take action to disable or limit access to accounts that appear hacked or abandoned.

What to Do If Your Account Is Hacked

  • Immediately report the issue to Facebook via their Hacked Accounts page.
  • Change your associated email and passwords for security.
  • Keep monitoring your recovery options until you regain control.
  • Facebook often updates its menus. Make sure you’re looking under Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Account Ownership and Control.
  • If you don’t see the option, try searching “Deactivate” in the Facebook settings search bar.

Try Deactivation from Facebook Account Center

  • Facebook’s Account Center (usually under Settings) lets you manage connected accounts and may have deactivation options if your accounts are linked.

Update Your App or Try Desktop Alternative

  • Ensure your Facebook app is updated to the latest version.
  • If the option still doesn’t appear on mobile, try using a desktop browser to deactivate your account.

Can You Deactivate Facebook and Keep Messenger Active?

Many users wonder if it’s possible to deactivate their Facebook account but still keep using Messenger. The good news is—yes, you c

What Stays Active When You Deactivate Facebook

When you deactivate your Facebook account:

  • Your Facebook profile is hidden, but Messenger remains active by default.
  • You can still send and receive messages on Messenger.
  • Your friends can contact you via Messenger even though your Facebook profile is not visible.

How to Deactivate Messenger Separately

If you want to deactivate both Facebook and Messenger, you need to deactivate Messenger separately:

  • Open the Messenger app.
  • Tap your profile picture in the top left.
  • Scroll down and select Legal & Policies.
  • Tap Deactivate Messenger.
  • Enter your password and confirm.

Keep in mind that deactivating Messenger will log you out and disable messaging until you reactivate.

How to Reactivate Your Facebook Account

If you’ve deactivated your Facebook account and want to come back, reactivating it is simple and quick.

Logging Back In

  • Just open the Facebook app or website.
  • Enter your email/phone number and password.
  • Your account will be automatically reactivated as soon as you log in.

What Gets Restored After Reactivation

  • Your profile, posts, photos, and friends list will be fully restored.
  • You’ll regain access to all your Facebook data and settings.
  • Messenger will also reactivate, letting you resume conversations seamlessly.

Remember, if you deleted your account instead of deactivating, reactivation won’t be possible after the deletion period ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I deactivate my Facebook account without a password?

No, for security reasons, Facebook requires your password to deactivate your account to verify your identity.

2. How long can I keep my Facebook account deactivated?

You can keep it deactivated for as long as you want. Your data stays saved until you decide to reactivate or delete your account.

3. Will I lose my friends or messages if I deactivate my Facebook?

No, your friends list and messages remain intact. When you reactivate, everything will be as you left it.

4. Can I use Messenger if my Facebook is deactivated?

Yes, Messenger works independently and remains active unless you deactivate it separately.

5. How do I permanently delete my Facebook account?

To permanently delete your account, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Deactivation and Deletion, then choose Delete Account and follow the instructions.

6. What if I forget my password and want to deactivate my account?

You need to recover your password first using Facebook’s Forgot Password feature before you can deactivate your account.

Conclusion

Deactivating your Facebook account is a straightforward way to take a break from social media while keeping your data safe and ready for when you decide to return. Whether you use the mobile app, desktop browser, or Facebook Lite, following the steps above will help you deactivate your account quickly and securely.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends who might also want to manage their Facebook presence. And if you have any questions or need further help, feel free to leave a comment below — we’re here to help!

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