How to deactivate facebook in pc
How to Delete Your Facebook Account
Recent events, or just the general state of social media, might have you contemplating a break from Facebook. That's not an option for everyone; in that case, tighten up your account settings.
But if the social network skeeves you out, if you've finally had enough and can't take it anymore, there are ways to extricate yourself. Here's how to delete Facebook.
Deactivating Facebook
Facebook gives you two options: deactivate or delete.
The first couldn't be easier. On the desktop, click the menu at the top-right of your screen with your profile picture on it to select Settings & Privacy > Settings. Click Your Facebook Information on the left. Scroll down and you'll see Deactivation and Deletion at the bottom. (Here's the direct link(Opens in a new window) to use while logged in.)
(Credit: PCMag)
If you're on your iPhone or Android device, tap the three-line hamburger menu , then navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal and Account Information > Account ownership and Control > Deactivation and deletion on iOS or Android.
(Credit: PCMag)
Facebook doesn't take this lightly—it'll do whatever it can to keep you around, including emotional blackmail about how much your friends will miss you.
"Deactivation" is not the same as leaving Facebook. Yes, your timeline will disappear, you won't have access to the site or your account via mobile apps, friends can't post or contact you, and you'll lose access to all those third-party services that use (or require) Facebook for login. But Facebook does not delete the account. Why? So you can reactivate(Opens in a new window) it later. It says it right there as you deactivate: "This can be temporary."
Just in case that expected re-activation isn't in your future, download a copy of all your data(Opens in a new window) on Facebook—posts, photos, videos, chats, etc.—from menu for Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information > View. What you find might surprise you.
How to Permanently Delete Facebook
To fully delete your Facebook account forever, go to facebook.com/help/delete_account(Opens in a new window). Just be aware that, per the Facebook data use policy(Opens in a new window), "after you remove information from your profile or delete your account, copies of that information may remain viewable elsewhere to the extent it has been shared with others, it was otherwise distributed pursuant to your privacy settings, or it was copied or stored by other users."
(Credit: PCMag)
Translation: if you wrote a comment on a friend's status update or photo, it will remain even after you delete your own profile. Some of your posts and pictures may hang around for as long as 90 days after deletion, as well, though only on Facebook servers, not live on the site.
There is a deletion grace period of 30 days. That means there is a month before Facebook really gets rid of your account, just in case you change your mind.
It's just one more way Facebook cares.
Delete or Memorialize for Others
You can't delete someone else's account without being able to sign on as them. But, you can get others kicked off. Underage kids in particular, since Facebook bans kids under 13 to comply with federal law(Opens in a new window).
To notify Facebook about a user under 13, report the account(Opens in a new window), you narc. If Facebook can "reasonably verify" the account is used by someone underage it will delete the account instantly, without informing anyone.
Recommended by Our Editors
How to Prevent Facebook From Sharing Your Personal Data
How to Transfer Your Facebook Photos and Videos to Another Service
Wasting Too Much Time on Facebook? Take Control With Quiet Mode
(Credit: PCMag)
There's a separate form to request removal of accounts for people who are medically incapacitated(Opens in a new window) and thus unable to use Facebook.
For this to work, the requester must prove they are the guardian of the person in question (such as via power of attorney) as well as offer an official note from a doctor or medical facility that spells out the incapacitation. Redact any info necessary to keep some privacy, such as medical account numbers, addresses, etc.
(Credit: PCMag)
If a user has passed away, a legacy contact(Opens in a new window)—a Facebook friend or relative designated by the account owner before they died—can get access to that person's timeline, once approved by Facebook. The legacy contact may need to provide a link to an obituary or other documentation such as a death certificate. Facebook will "memorialize" the page(Opens in a new window) so the deceased's timeline lives on under control of the legacy contact. That person can't post as the deceased, but will be able to manage the profile pic and cover photo, manage any tribute posts made by other friends, and handle new friend requests made of the deceased.
The page will says "Remembering" above the person's name.
(Credit: PCMag)
If the legacy contact prefers, they can have the page removed permanently(Opens in a new window).
Designate a specific legacy contact person right now to handle your account after your passing by going to Settings & Privacy > Settings > General >Memorialization Settings. Type in a friends name so it finds their Facebook profile, then click Add; then click Send so the person gets a notification. (You can also go here to remove or change the legacy contact.)
(Credit: PCMag)
Once you pick a legacy contact (and you can only have one), you'll get a notification every year from Facebook to double check that the contact should stay the same.
You have the option to ensure that after you die, if the legacy contact does report you as deceased to Facebook, your account gets deleted—even if the legacy contact wants the account to be memorialized.
That's a good way to take control from the great beyond.
Like What You're Reading?
Sign up for Tips & Tricks newsletter for expert advice to get the most out of your technology.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
How to Deactivate Facebook Account – 4 Steps [2022 Guide]
- MiniTool
- MiniTool News Center
- How to Deactivate Facebook Account – 4 Steps [2022 Guide]
By Alisa | Follow | Last Updated
This post teaches you how to deactivate Facebook with the step-by-step guide. You can reactivate your Facebook account later after you temporarily deactivate it.
If you want to deactivate your Facebook account permanently, you can also find a guide here. For lost or deleted file recovery, try MiniTool Power Data Recovery.
No matter why you decide to deactivate your Facebook account, for privacy concern or other reasons, you can check the 4 steps below with picture instruction for how to deactivate Facebook account temporarily. When you want, you can easily reactivate your account later to recover your information. Still, if you don’t want to use Facebook any longer and want to permanently deactivate your Facebook, a simple guide is also included.
How to Deactivate Facebook Account Temporarily
How to Deactivate Your Facebook on Computer – 4 Steps
Step 1. Go to Facebook official website and log in to your account.
Step 2. Click the down-arrow icon at the top-right corner of Facebook page. Click Settings & Privacy -> Settings.
Step 3. Click Your Facebook Information in the left column in Facebook Settings window.
Click the Deactivation and Deletion option in the right window.
Step 4. Choose Deactivate Account and click Continue to Account Deactivation. Then follow the instructions to temporarily deactivate your Facebook account.
How to Deactivate Facebook Account on iPhone/Android
Step 1. Launch Facebook app on your phone. Log into your account.
Step 2. Tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom-right corner of Facebook. Tap Settings & Privacy and tap Settings.
Step 3. Next tap Account Ownership and Control. Tap Deactivation and Deletion.
Step 4. Tap Deactivate Account and tap Continue to Account Deactivation button to follow the instructions to disable Facebook temporarily.
What Happens When You Deactivate Facebook?
Non-visible information:
- Other people can’t see your Facebook profile.
- Your account won’t appear in searches.
- Your activities include your timeline, posts, photos, friends lists, and About personal information are hidden from the public.
- Facebook will archive your account information and let you reactivate your account and recover the information with ease.
Information still visible:
- Private messages you sent to your friends before may be still visible.
- Your Facebook account name may be still seen in your friends list.
- Your posts and comments on other people's accounts.
- If you keep the Facebook Messenger active when deactivating, you can still chat with your friends on Messenger after deactivating your Facebook account.
How to Reactivate Your Facebook Account
To regain your Facebook account after deactivation, you can log back into Facebook again or log in to your Facebook account on another device. You will be asked to enter your email or mobile phone number that you use for your account to reactivate Facebook.
How to Deactivate Facebook Account Permanently
If you want to fully get rid of Facebook, you can choose to delete your Facebook account.
- Click the down-arrow icon at the upper-right corner of Facebook. Click Settings & Privacy -> Settings.
- Click Your Facebook Information on the left and click Deactivation and Deletion on the right.
- Click Delete Account to permanently remove your Facebook account.
Note: By deleting the Facebook account permanently, all your information incl. your profile, photos, posts, videos, etc. will be permanently removed. If you regret it, you can recover your Facebook account and information within 30 days after the permanent deletion.
How Long Can You Deactivate Facebook?
There is no limit on how long you can deactivate Facebook. If you want to quit Facebook permanently, you can choose to delete Facebook account.
What’s the Difference between Deactivating and Deleting Facebook Account?
If you deactivate Facebook account temporarily, you can retrieve your account whenever you want.
Your information still exists and is archived by Facebook.
By deleting Facebook account, you’ll lose access to your account and all your account data & information will be deleted.
So, if you want to get rid of Facebook for some time, it’s advised that you choose the account deactivation but not deletion.
To Sum Up
Now you should know how to deactivate Facebook account temporarily or permanently. Hope the step-by-step guide in this tutorial helps.
About The Author
User Comments :
How do I temporarily deactivate my Facebook account?
Help Center
Manage your account
Deactivate or delete your account
If you delete or deactivate your account, all of your account profiles will be deleted or deactivated along with it. Learn more about how to delete or deactivate an individual profile.
You can temporarily deactivate your account and restore it at any time.
To deactivate your account:
Log in to Facebook from a computer.
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the Facebook window.
Select Settings & Privacy and then Settings.
Click Privacy and then Your Facebook Information.
Click Deactivate and delete.
Select Deactivate account, click Proceed to deactivate account and follow the instructions to confirm the deactivation.
You can temporarily deactivate your account and restore it at any time.
To deactivate your account:
Click the icon in the upper right corner of the Facebook window.
Scroll down and click Settings.
Select Personal and account information.
Click Account Management.
Click Deactivate and delete.
Select Deactivate account, click Continue and follow the instructions to confirm deactivation.
When your account is deactivated:
Your profile is hidden from other people.
Some information, such as messages you have sent to your friends, may still be available.
Friends can still see your name in their friends list (only your friends and only in the friends list).
Group admins can still see your posts and comments along with your name.
You will not be able to use your Facebook account to access Oculus Products and view information related to the Oculus platform.
Pages that only you manage will also be deactivated. Other people will not be able to see or find deactivated Pages. If you want to keep the Page, give someone else full control over it. This will only deactivate your account.
If you do not choose to deactivate your Messenger account or are not logged into Messenger during the deactivation of your Facebook account, your Messenger account will remain active. Learn more about how to deactivate your Messenger account.
When your Facebook account is deactivated but you are still using Messenger:
You can still chat with your friends on Messenger.
Your Facebook profile photo will still be visible in Messenger conversations.
Other people may be looking for you to send a message.
Reactivating your account
You can restore a deactivated Facebook account at any time. To do this, sign in to Facebook or another site with your Facebook account. To complete the reactivation, you will need access to the email address or mobile phone number you use to sign in.
If you alone have full control of a deactivated Page, you can restore the Page after you reactivate your Facebook account.
Learn more about how to permanently delete an account.
Was the article helpful?
How do I permanently delete my Facebook account?
Account deactivation or deletion
My personal Facebook account is disabled
How do I recover a deactivated Facebook account?
My friend's Facebook account has been blocked or disabled
3
Information
Privacy
Terms and Conditions
Advertising Preferences
Jobs
Cookies
Create Ad Temporarily
Create Facebook Page
Help Center
Manage your account
Deactivate or delete your account
We're updating the mobile version of Facebook.
com. More
If you delete or deactivate your account, all of its profiles will be deleted or deactivated along with it. Learn more about how to delete or deactivate an individual profile.
You can temporarily deactivate your account and restore it at any time.
To deactivate your account:
Log in to Facebook from a computer.
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the Facebook window.
Select Settings & Privacy and then Settings.
Click Privacy and then Your Facebook Information.
Click Deactivate and delete.
Select Deactivate account, click Proceed to deactivate account and follow the instructions to confirm the deactivation.
You can temporarily deactivate your account and restore it at any time.
To deactivate your account:
Click the icon in the upper right corner of the Facebook window.
Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy and then Settings.
Select Personal and account information.
Click Account Management.
Click Deactivate and delete.
Select Deactivate account, click Proceed to deactivate account and follow the instructions to confirm the deactivation.
When your account is deactivated:
Your profile is hidden from other people.
Some information, such as messages you have sent to your friends, may still be available.
Friends can still see your name in their friends list (only your friends and only in the friends list).
Group admins can still see your posts and comments along with your name.
You will not be able to use your Facebook account to access Oculus Products and view information related to the Oculus platform.
Pages that only you manage will also be deactivated. Other people will not be able to see or find deactivated Pages. If you want to keep the Page, give someone else full control over it. This will only deactivate your account.
If you do not choose to deactivate your Messenger account or are not logged into Messenger during the deactivation of your Facebook account, your Messenger account will remain active. Learn more about how to deactivate your Messenger account.
When your Facebook account is deactivated but you are still using Messenger:
You can still chat with your friends on Messenger.
Your Facebook profile photo will still be visible in Messenger conversations.
Other people may be looking for you to send a message.
Reactivating your account
You can restore a deactivated Facebook account at any time. To do this, sign in to Facebook or another site with your Facebook account. To complete the reactivation, you will need access to the email address or mobile phone number you use to sign in.
If you alone have full control of a deactivated Page, you can restore the Page after you reactivate your Facebook account.
Learn more about how to permanently delete an account.
