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how to to deactivate facebook

By

John and Mary

How to Deactivate Facebook in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide for Privacy & Mental Wellbeing

Tired of endless scrolls, algorithmic stress, or privacy concerns? Deactivating your Facebook account can be a game-changer—whether you’re taking a break, protecting your data, or simply reclaiming your time. Unlike deleting, deactivation lets you return anytime while hiding your profile from public view. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the exact steps to hidden risks and how to prepare for a smooth exit.

Why Deactivate Facebook Instead of Deleting It?

Deactivating and deleting Facebook serve different purposes, and choosing the right option depends on your goals.

  • Deactivation hides your profile and posts but keeps your data intact. You can log back in later without losing anything. – Deletion permanently removes your account, posts, and messages—no going back. Facebook keeps data for 90 days before full erasure.

For most users, deactivation is the smarter choice because it allows flexibility. If you’re unsure, this method lets you revisit your account in months or years.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deactivating Facebook on Desktop

Follow these precise steps to deactivate your account without errors.

  1. Log in to Facebook Open your browser and go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com« >facebook.com. Enter your email or phone number, then type your password.

  2. Access Settings Click the downward arrow in the top-right corner. Select « Settings & privacy » > « Settings ».

  3. Navigate to Account Management In the left sidebar, scroll to « Your Facebook Information » and click « Deactivation and Deletion ».

  4. Choose Deactivation Under « Deactivate Account », click « Deactivate ». Facebook may ask why—this is optional.

  5. Confirm with Your Password Enter your password again to verify. Click « Confirm » to finalize.

  6. Verify Deactivation You’ll see a confirmation message. Click « OK » to exit. Your profile is now hidden but not deleted.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a VPN or ad blocker, Facebook might flag the request as suspicious. Ensure you’re on a clean browser session.

How to Deactivate Facebook on Mobile (iOS & Android)

Deactivating via the app is just as easy—follow these steps:

  1. Open the Facebook App Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.

  2. Go to Settings Select « Settings & privacy » > « Settings ».

  3. Find Deactivation Scroll to « Your Facebook Information » > « Deactivation and Deletion ».

  4. Tap « Deactivate Account » Follow the prompts, enter your password, and confirm.

  5. Complete the Process Facebook may ask for a reason—skip if you prefer. Your account is now temporarily inactive.

Mobile Note: Some users report glitches in the app. If the option isn’t visible, try the desktop version instead.

What Happens After Deactivation?

Your account isn’t gone—it’s paused. Here’s what changes:

  • Your profile is invisible to the public, but friends can still see your name in search results. – Posts, photos, and videos remain hidden but are not deleted—they’re stored in Facebook’s servers. – You can’t be tagged in new posts, but existing tags may still appear until removed. – Messages are hidden, but they’re not erased—only you can see them. – Facebook ads may still target you based on past activity (unless you adjust settings).

Important: If you want complete removal, you’ll need to delete your account later (more on this below).

How to Reactivate Your Deactivated Facebook Account

Reactivating is simple—just follow these steps:

  1. Log in normally Go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com« >facebook.com and enter your credentials.

  2. Complete the verification Facebook may ask for a password or security check.

  3. Your account reappears All posts, friends, and settings return exactly as they were.

Warning: If you reactivate, your activity resumes, including ads and algorithm tracking. Use this feature wisely.

How to Permanently Delete Facebook (If You Change Your Mind Later)

If deactivation isn’t enough and you want a true exit, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Facebook Go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com« >facebook.com and access « Settings & privacy » > « Settings ».

  2. Find Deletion Scroll to « Your Facebook Information » > « Deactivation and Deletion ».

  3. Select « Delete Account » Choose « Permanently delete my account » and click « Continue ».

  4. Enter Password & Confirm Facebook will ask for your password and a reason. Click « Delete Account ».

  5. Wait 30 Days Your account isn’t deleted immediately. You’ll get an email with a final confirmation link—click it to proceed.

Final Note: Deletion is irreversible after 30 days. If you reactivate within that window, deletion is canceled.

Hidden Risks of Deactivating Facebook (And How to Avoid Them)

While deactivation is safe, some pitfalls can cause issues:

  • Friends may not realize you’re gone – Solution: Post a status update or message them directly.

  • Your data stays with Facebook – Solution: Download your data via « Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information ».

  • Some third-party apps still access your data – Solution: Go to « Settings > Apps and Websites » and remove all connected apps.

  • Your email may still receive Facebook notifications – Solution: Unsubscribe from marketing emails in « Settings > Notifications ».

People Also Ask

How long does Facebook keep deactivated accounts? Facebook does not delete deactivated accounts automatically. Your data remains stored indefinitely until you permanently delete it.

Can I deactivate Facebook without a password? No. Facebook requires password verification for security. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the « Forgot Password? » link.

Will deactivating Facebook remove me from groups? No. You’ll still be a member of groups, but your activity won’t be visible. To leave groups, go to « Groups » > « Manage Groups ».

Does deactivating Facebook affect my Instagram account? No, unless you’re using Facebook Login for Instagram. If so, deactivating Facebook may temporarily lock your Instagram access.

Can I deactivate Facebook for just a few days? Facebook doesn’t offer a « temporary deactivation » feature. The shortest option is deactivation, which lasts until you log back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation ≠ Deletion—your data stays intact but hidden. – Reactivation is easy—just log back in anytime. – Permanent deletion takes 30 days—plan ahead. – Download your data before deactivating to avoid losing posts. – Inform friends to prevent confusion. – Check third-party apps to ensure full privacy.

Ready to take control? Follow these steps to deactivate Facebook today and regain your digital peace. For further help, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help« >Facebook’s Help Center.

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