How to deactivate a Facebook account [COMPLETE GUIDE]

Disabling a Facebook account has never been easier, as they themselves have simplified the process as compared to what was obtainable some years ago.

The platform as we know today, is the biggest social media platform in the world, they connect us with people, friends and also offer some other services,

But they also left a trail of issues behind, where security, privacy, and information of users have been compromised, also the social, and psychological effect associated with the platform is also one is that has been of concern.

So whether your reason for taking a break from the platform is personal and you just want to spend less time online or due to their numerous security and privacy issues. 

This post got you covered, as everything is detailed out in a simple step by step approach so that it can be easily implemented.

But before you go ahead and deactivate your account, there are some things to be aware of, 

This information would be helpful, to understand the guidelines as it relates to deactivating a Facebook account and therefore help you make an informed decision 

Deactivating your account entails that

1. You will be able to get access to your account anytime you want, simply by logging in.

Logging in with your details would simply reactivate your account.

2. You will still be able to login and access websites and apps account that you used Facebook to sign up for. Examples of these apps are Pinterest, Soundcloud, Medium.

3. If you have an Oculus account, you will not be able to access Oculus products or your information on Oculus.

3. Deactivation would entail that when users of the platform search for you, you will not visible on the search result, the users cannot see your timeline.

4. Your content (such as videos, photos, and posts) on the platform will not be deleted.

5. You can still access Messenger anytime you want, you can send messages to friends and they can also send messages to you likewise.

6. Messages sent to your friends and other users will still be available to them and your name, and profile will still be seen by your friends on their friend list.


But if any of these guideline(s) does not check the box for you want. You may consider deleting your it.

Here are the guidelines as it pertains to deleting your account.

1. Deleting an account will not allow you to have access to your it, and once the it is deleted, accessing the platform will require you to create a new one.

2. Your content on the platform (such as photos, posts, and videos) will also be deleted, once the deletion process is completed.

3. You will not be able to access websites and apps accounts that you use Facebook to sign up. Examples are Spotify, Medium, and Soundcloud.

4. If you have an Oculus account,  you cannot use the platform and your information on the platform will be gone as it is tied together with your Facebook account.

5. There is a 30-days delay period from the day you deleted your account to when the actual deletion process starts, during this period you can cancel the deletion and get it back.

Check out this post for more no that!

With that out of the way, let's dive in!

How to deactivate a Facebook account on iPhone and Android (Mobile)

This process is the same for Android and iOS devices, the only difference is the location option/more button.

Start your browser, go to the address Facebook.com and log in.

  • Tap on the three horizontal bars (option/more tap), this is located on the top right corner of the screen or Android, and for iPhone, this is located at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. 

  • From the drop-down menu scroll down and tap Setting, this is located towards the bottom of the page
  • With a few scrolls, from the Facebook Information section. Tap Account Ownership and Control.
  • From the page tap Deactivation and deletion

  • Tap Continue to Account Deactivation, the option is usually set to Deactivation, but if this appears otherwise, simply select the Deactivation option.

  • Enter your password and tap Continue, as required by the page.

From the new page, states the implications of the deactivation process, you are also required to select a reason from the option provided, why you want to deactivate your account, in this case, I chose "This is temporary, I'll be back"

  • Usually, this is mandatory. Once you select an option that suits your situation tap Continue, to proceed with the process.
On the new page, there is a notice for you to log out and set an automatic date to reactivate it, as it applies in this case. 

  • These notice(s) are cycled off and usually depend on the option you selected from the previous step. Tap Continue to proceed.
  • From the new page, there is an option to opt in to receive notifications on happenings and events as it relates to your account. Tap Deactivate My Account to complete the process.



How to deactivate a Facebook on a computer (Desktop)

Start the browser on your computer, go to the site, and log in.

  • Once you've logged in, click on the downward-facing triangular-shaped option button.

  • From the drop-down menu, click Settings & Privacy.

  • Click Settings, from the new page.

  • Locate and click Your Facebook Information section, this is the third item on the settings option, from the menu click Deactivation and Deletion.

  • Click on the Continue to Account Deactivation button to proceed, usually, the option is set to Deactivation and deletion, but if these appear otherwise, simply select the deactivation option.

  • Enter your password as required by the page.

On the new page, they states some of the implications of disabling an account and an option to select why you want to deactivate it, usually, it is mandated that you select an option to proceed to the next step, in this case, I selected "This is temporary, I'll be back."

  • Once you've selected an option that suits your reasons,  click Deactivate to proceed with the process. 

There is also an option to opt in to receive notifications on development and events as it concerns your account.

  • From the pop-up click Deactivate Now to complete the process.



How to deactivate a Facebook account on the Facebook App, Lite and Messenger.

This process is basically the same for the App, lite, and Messenger, this also applies to devices iPhone and Android.

Open the App on your phone.

  • For the App and Lite, tap the option or more tab, this is shaped like three horizontal bars.

For Messenger, Tap the image icon at the top of the page to open the options menu.

  • Scroll and tap Settings & Privacy for App and Lite apps 
Skip this step for Messenger.

    • Tap Settings from the new menu.
    • On the new page, scroll down, locate and tap Account Ownership and Control from Your Facebook Information section.
    • Tap Deactivation and deletion on the new page.

    For Messenger, tap Continue to Facebook account deactivation and deletion.

    • On the new page, tap Continue to account deactivation. Usually, the option is set to Deactivate, but if this appears otherwise, simply select the correct option.
    • Enter your password as required, this is for security purposes. For Messenger, this may not be seen, if it happens, it's normal just proceed to the next step.
    • Choose the option that best expresses the reason why you want to deactivate your account, this is usually mandatory. And tap Continue to proceed. In this case, I chose "This is temporary, I'll be back."

    This page also states some of the implications of deactivating, you may go through it to learn more.

    Depending on the option you've select, from the previous step this page may appear to be different from what is shown, just do whatever is required, (If Requested)

    • Tap Continue to proceed.
    • To complete this process, tap the Deactivate My Account button.

    Once again you're provided with some information on the process and the option to opt in to get notification(s) on development and happenings as it applies to your account.


    Reactivating your account

    If you change your mind and would want to have your account back, you can simply log in with your phone number or email address and password tied to that account to reactivate it any time you want.

    If you would like to dump your account  (permanently), check out this detailed post on how to permanently delete an account. It's really easy I promise!

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