Facebook is one of the most used social media platforms; however, there are lots of reasons why one might want to take a break or maybe never return. Deactivating a Facebook account is a very viable option, be it for privacy, digital detox, or just a desire to spend time on other aspects of life.
How to deactivate your Facebook account: A step-by-step guide.
We also look at the difference between deactivation and deletion, what happens when you deactivate an account, and how one can reinstate the account anytime. Deactivating vs. Deleting a Facebook Account Before proceeding with deactivation, you first need to know the difference between deactivating and deleting your Facebook account.
Deactivate: This temporary action involves taking a break from Facebook. Your profile, posts, and photos will be hidden, but you can return anytime by logging in.
Delete is a permanent action that removes all your data from Facebook. Once the process is complete, it cannot be undone.
If you want a temporary break, then deactivation is the better option. But if you are sure you want to remove your account permanently, deletion is the way to go.
How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account via Mobile App
Here are the steps in deactivating your Facebook account using a Mobile app:
Step 1: Tap Accounts Center From the Settings & Privacy menu. If you left your Facebook settings any time after completing the Getting Started section of this article, you can get back to this point by going to Facebook's main page and tapping ☰ > Settings & Privacy.
Step 2: Tap Personal details. This option is below the "Account settings" heading, and it features an icon with a picture of a badge on which is the image of a person.
Step 3: Tap Account ownership and control. It's the last option in the "Personal details" settings menu.
Scroll down and tap Deactivation & Deletion.
Step 4: Select the account you want to deactivate. Remember that if you have an account with another Meta product such as Instagram, it will also be listed here.
If you have only one account at Meta, you may not see this page; proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Tap Deactivate account. This option will keep your account name and data should you want to return in the future. Tap Continue to proceed to the next step.
Alternatively, if you would like to permanently remove your account, click Delete account. Unlike the above option for deactivation, this is permanent.
Deactivating your Facebook account will not deactivate Facebook Messenger.
Step 6: Enter the password to your Facebook account, and tap Continue. This will show that you are the owner of the account.
Step 7: Choose why you're deactivating and tap Continue. This is just for Facebook's records. If you're returning later, select This is temporary, I'll be back.
Step 8: Select when you would like your account reactivated. If you want to keep it deactivated, scroll down to the bottom and click to set when you want it automatically activated again. If you want to turn it back on yourself by signing in when you want access, click Don't reactivate automatically from the drop-down menu.
Step 9: Tap the blue Deactivate my account button. This will deactivate your account and log you out of Facebook.
Your account is now deactivated. It means your profile will not be visible, though you can activate it every time you log in.
How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account on Desktop
If you use the Facebook Mobile App, proceed as follows:
Step 1: Login to Facebook
Open your favorite web browser, go to Facebook, and sign in using your credentials.
Step 2: Settings & Privacy
Click the top right profile picture. Choose Settings & Privacy from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Open Settings
Tap Settings in the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Access Your Facebook Information
In the left menu, tap Accounts Center.
Your Facebook Information.
Step 5: Tap Account ownership and control. It's the last option in the "Personal details" settings menu.
Scroll down and click Deactivation & Deletion.
Scroll down and click Deactivation & Deletion.
Step 6: Select the account you want to deactivate. Remember that if you have an account with another Meta product such as Instagram, it will also be listed here.
If you have only one account at Meta, you may not see this page; proceed to the next step.
Step 7: Enter Your Password
Type your Facebook password to confirm ownership, then tap Continue.
Step 8: Select a Deactivation Reason
Choose a reason for deactivating your account, then tap Continue. If it’s temporary, select "This is temporary; I’ll be back."
Step 9: Choose Reactivation Preferences
Decide when you want to reactivate your account:
Select a time for Facebook to reactivate your account automatically.
Step 10: Deactivate Your Account
Click the blue Deactivate My Account button to complete the process. Facebook will sign you out.
To reactivate, log back into Facebook anytime.
What Happens When You Deactivate Your Facebook Account?
When you deactivate your Facebook account:
Your profile, photos, and posts are not visible to other users.
Messenger stays active unless you deactivate it.
Your messages in group chats will still be there.
You can still use Facebook Login for other apps.
You can reactivate your account by logging back in.
If you want to deactivate Messenger, you must do that separately in Messenger settings.
How to Reactivate Your Facebook Account
Step 1: Open Facebook
Go to Facebook using a web browser or a mobile app.
Step 2: Enter Your Credentials
Log in with your email/phone number and password.
Step 3: Confirm Reactivation
If prompted, follow any on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Step 4: Access Your Profile
Once reactivated, your profile, posts, and content will be visible again.
Additional Privacy Considerations
If you're deactivating Facebook for privacy reasons, you should know:
Review Privacy Settings: Configure privacy settings to limit data sharing.
Download Your Data: Before deactivating, save a copy of your Facebook information.
Disconnect Third-Party Apps: This will remove the Facebook login to other apps.
Change Your Contact Information: Make sure you have means of reaching important contacts other than through Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still use Messenger after deactivating Facebook?
Yes, you can still send and receive messages unless you deactivate Messenger separately.
2. Will my posts be deleted after deactivating?
No, your posts and profile will just be hidden but not deleted.
3. Can I deactivate Facebook multiple times?
Yes, deactivate it and activate it as many times as you want.
4. For how long can I leave my account deactivated?
Indefinitely. Your account will stay deactivated until you log back into it.
5. Can people search for me while my account is deactivated?
No, your profile is not visible in search results.
Conclusion
Deactivating your account is a good way to take a break without losing your data permanently. Be it for privacy reasons, keeping yourself in good mental health, or even just taking a break, these steps will help you through effective digital presence management. And if you get back, reactivation is easy. For more digital productivity tips, head over to the WPS Office Blog.
