How to deactivate Facebook account temporarily

Love it or hate it, everyone has had a Facebook account at some point in time. Whether you use Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends, find a date, or find a great deal on Facebook Marketplace, the social network ensures you have a reason to return. However, sometimes you need a break from social media and all its distractions. If you want to take a break here’s how to deactivate Facebook temporarily.

How to deactivate your Facebook account through the website

Using a computer, you primarily access Facebook through your preferred browser by visiting the main website. Here are the steps you need to follow to deactivate your account through the Facebook website:

1. Open your browser, head to www.facebook.com, and log into your account.
2. Click your profile icon, present in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings & privacy.
4. Go into Settings.
5. Click on Accounts Center.
6. Select Account ownership and control.
7. Pick Deactivation or deletion.
8. Select your Facebook account.
9. Click on Deactivation and deletion.
10. Make sure Deactivate account is selected, then hit Continue.
11. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to deactivate your Facebook account through the Android or iOS app

If you use an iPhone or Android, you can use the Facebook app on your phone to deactivate your account. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Facebook app. Log in, if you haven’t.
2. Tap on the three-line menu icon. On Android, it is in the top-right corner, and on iPhone, it is in the lower-right corner.
3. Expand the Settings & privacy section.
4. Tap on Settings.
5. Go into Accounts Center.
6. Pick Personal details.
7. Select Account ownership and control.
8. Go into Deactivation or deletion.
9. Select your Facebook account.
10. Make sure Deactivate account is selected, then hit Continue.
11. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Should I deactivate my Facebook account, or should I delete it?

Deactivating a Facebook account is recommended for users who need a short break from the social media website. It’s better for those who aren’t sure they want to delete their Facebook account permanently. If you ever change your mind, you can easily reactivate your account and resume using the site.

Deleting a Facebook account is a better option for users who are absolutely sure they do not want their profile to exist in any format on the social media site. This is a permanent action, and there is no turning back. After the 30-day grace period expires, you cannot get it back. You will have to create a new account from scratch.

If you want to delete your Facebook account, follow the steps listed above, but select Delete account instead of Deactivate account.

What happens when you deactivate your Facebook account?

When you deactivate Facebook, the social media site will hide your profile from most places. This will also remove any Facebook Pages you control, so pass on the responsibility to someone else’s account if you want the page to remain visible. Deactivating a Facebook account will also remove the ability to log into sites and services that use Facebook login information.

However, your profile and some data may still be accessible in the following places:

• Some messages sent to friends may still be visible.
• Your friends will still see your name in their friends list.
• Group admins can see your past posts and comments and your name.

What happens to Messenger if I deactivate my Facebook account?

Deactivating your account does not automatically get rid of your Messenger account! If you are logged into Messenger on any device, then Messenger will remain active.

When your Facebook account is deactivated, but you still have Messenger, Facebook calls your account “Deactivated Except Messenger Account,” or DEMA, and lets you carry on the following actions:

• You can still chat with friends on Messenger.
• Your Facebook profile picture will still be visible in your conversations on Messenger.
• Other people can search for you to send you a message.

Logging into Messenger will not reactivate your account, so you can deactivate Facebook but still use Messenger for your messaging needs.

How to deactivate Facebook Messenger

Deactivating Facebook Messenger can only be done on a mobile device, and it can only be done if you’ve already deactivated your Facebook account. Use the steps below:

1. Launch Messenger.
2. Tap on the three-line menu button.
3. Hit the Settings gear icon.
4. Go into Accounts Center.
5. Select Personal details.
6. Hit Account ownership and control.
7. Pick Deactivation or deletion.
8. Tap on Continue to Facebook account deactivation and deletion.
9. Select Continue to account deactivation.
10. Confirm your identity by entering your password, then hit Continue.

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