How to Deactivate Facebook Account and Messenger (New Update)

Do you want to deactivate your Facebook account and Messenger? Then you have come to the right place. I will show you how to completely deactivate your Facebook account and Messenger.

Learn how to deactivate your Facebook account and Messenger using this step-by-step guide. Keep Messenger active or deactivate it completely, protect your privacy, and understand the difference between deactivation and deletion.

Many users choose to deactivate Facebook and Messenger for various reasons, such as concerns over privacy, wanting a break from social media, reducing distractions, or protecting mental health. Some people also deactivate accounts to avoid unwanted interactions or because they want to focus on real-life connections instead of virtual ones.

Facebook often introduces updates that change how account settings work, including deactivation or reactivation options. Understanding the new update is essential because it ensures users can properly manage their privacy, account visibility, and data. It also helps avoid accidental data loss or misunderstandings about what happens when the account is deactivated.

In today’s digital world, many users are seeking ways to take a break from social media. Whether for privacy concerns, reducing screen time, or simply taking a digital detox, deactivating Facebook and Messenger can provide peace of mind. With the new update, Facebook has simplified account deactivation, while giving users more control over Messenger.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to deactivate your Facebook account and Messenger, explain the differences between deactivation and deletion, and provide tips to safely manage your data.

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Understanding Facebook Account Deactivation vs. Deletion

• Account Deactivation: Temporarily disables your Facebook account. Your profile becomes invisible to others, but Facebook saves your data (friends list, photos, posts) so you can reactivate it anytime. Messenger can still be used if you want.
• Account Deletion: Permanently removes your Facebook account, including all photos, posts, messages, and data. Once deleted, you cannot recover the account or its content after the grace period (usually 30 days).

Before deactivating your account, it’s crucial to understand the difference between deactivation and deletion:

What Happens When You Deactivate Your Account

• Your profile becomes invisible to others, but data stays saved.
• Photos, posts, and friend lists remain stored on Facebook’s servers.
• You can still use Messenger unless you deactivate it separately.
• Reactivation is simple—just log back in with your credentials.
• Friends may still see messages you sent even after deactivation.

Overview of Temporary Account Suspension

When you deactivate your Facebook account, it’s like putting it on pause. Your profile becomes invisible to others, and your name, photos, and posts are hidden from public view. However, your account data remains saved on Facebook’s servers, so you can reactivate your account anytime and pick up right where you left off.

Access to Data and Information During Deactivation

• Saved Data: Facebook keeps your photos, posts, and friend list secure while your account is inactive.
• Messenger Access: You can still use Messenger if you want, even with a deactivated account, unless you choose to deactivate Messenger separately.
• Reactivation Option: Simply logging back in with your credentials reactivates your account instantly.

What Happens When You Delete Your Account

• Your account and all associated data are permanently removed.
• You cannot recover messages, photos, or posts.
• Deletion is permanent after 30 days of requesting it.

Explanation of Permanent Account Removal

When you delete your Facebook account, it’s a permanent action. Your profile, photos, videos, posts, and all account data are scheduled for removal from Facebook’s servers. After the deletion process starts, there’s usually a 30-day grace period where you can cancel the request if you change your mind. After that period, the deletion becomes irreversible.

Consequences for Data and Content

• Loss of All Data: All your photos, posts, messages, and other content are permanently erased after the grace period.
• No Messenger Access: Once deleted, you can’t use Facebook Messenger or recover any chats linked to the account.
• Third-Party Access: Apps or websites you used to log in with Facebook will also lose access, so you may need to update login details there.
• Search Visibility: Your profile and content are removed from Facebook’s search and public view after the deletion is complete.

Impact on Messenger

• Deactivating Facebook does not automatically deactivate Messenger.
• You can continue messaging friends even after Facebook deactivation.

How Deactivating Facebook Affects Messenger Usage

• When you deactivate Facebook, your Facebook profile becomes hidden, but Messenger stays active by default unless you deactivate it separately.
• Friends can still send and receive messages with you on Messenger even though your Facebook account isn’t visible.
• Your existing chat history remains intact and visible to your contacts.

Options for Keeping Messenger Active

• You can deactivate Facebook only while keeping Messenger enabled by choosing the option during the deactivation process.
• Log in to Messenger with your phone number or existing credentials without reactivating your Facebook account.
• Update your Messenger settings anytime to manage privacy, notifications, and active status.

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How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account (New Update)

Facebook has made the deactivation process simple for both mobile and desktop users.

How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account On Mobile (iPhone & Android)

https://www.facebook.com/help/214376678584711/

1. Open the Facebook app and log in.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (Menu).
3. Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
4. Tap Account Ownership and Control under Your Facebook Information.
5. Select Deactivation and Deletion.
6. Choose Deactivate Account and tap Continue to Account Deactivation.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm.

How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account On Desktop

1. Log in to facebook.com.
2. Click the downward arrow at the top-right corner and select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. Go to Your Facebook Information > Account Ownership and Control.
4. Click Deactivation and Deletion.
5. Select Deactivate Account, click Continue, and confirm.

Things to Consider:

• Your profile will be hidden but not deleted.
• Pages you manage may still be visible.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind Before Deactivation

• Messenger Access: Decide whether you want to keep Messenger active or deactivate it as well.
• Third-Party Logins: Some apps or websites use Facebook for login. Deactivating may affect access unless you update login credentials.
• Event & Group Invitations: You won’t receive updates or notifications from events or groups you’re part of while deactivated.
• Pages & Admin Roles: If you manage pages or groups, consider assigning another admin before deactivation to avoid losing control.
• Data Backup: Download a copy of your data (photos, posts, etc.) if needed for future use.

Potential Impacts on Friends and Groups

• Friends won’t be able to view your profile or tag you in new posts.
• Existing messages stay in friends’ inboxes, even after deactivation.
• Group participation stops temporarily—members won’t see you listed.
• Invitations to events or groups will no longer reach you while inactive.

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How to Keep Messenger Active After Deactivating Facebook

By default, Messenger remains active even after deactivating Facebook. This means you can continue to chat with friends without logging into Facebook. Benefits include:

• Staying connected without seeing Facebook updates.
• Retaining chat history and contacts.
• Avoiding account deletion mistakes.

Maintaining Messenger Access

1. Deactivate Facebook Only: When deactivating Facebook, choose the "Deactivate account" option and make sure you do not deactivate Messenger when prompted.
2. Log in to Messenger: Use the Messenger app or messenger.com with your existing Facebook credentials or your phone number.
3. Update Messenger Settings: Manage your privacy settings, active status, and notifications within Messenger even if your Facebook account stays deactivated.
4. Reactivation Not Required: You don’t need to reactivate Facebook to keep using Messenger after deactivation.

Benefits of Keeping Messenger Active

• Stay Connected: Chat with friends and family without fully returning to Facebook.
• Maintain Chat History: All past conversations stay available.
• Use Messenger Features: Access voice calls, video calls, and group chats as usual.
• No Facebook Distractions: Enjoy communication without news feed or notifications.

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How to Deactivate Messenger Separately

https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/931186400288334

If you want to deactivate Messenger as well:

1. Open the Messenger app.

2. Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner.

3. Scroll down and select Legal & Policies > Deactivate Messenger.

4. Enter your Facebook password and confirm deactivation.
   
   

Note: Deactivating Messenger will log you out and stop all messaging until you reactivate.

Step-by-Step Guide for Deactivating Messenger

Note: You must deactivate your Facebook account first before you can deactivate Messenger.

1. Deactivate Facebook:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal Details > Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation or Deletion.

2. Select Deactivate Facebook Account and confirm.

2. Open Messenger App:

1. Launch the Messenger app on your iPhone or Android device.

3. Go to Settings:

1. Tap your profile picture at the top left to access Settings.

4. Access Legal & Policies:

1. Scroll down and select Legal & Policies (on some devices, it may be under “Account Settings”).

5. Deactivate Messenger:

1. Tap Deactivate Messenger and enter your password when prompted.

2. Confirm deactivation to complete the process.

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How to Reactivate Your Facebook Account and Messenger

If you change your mind:

1. Open Facebook or Messenger and log in.
2. Your Facebook account and Messenger will automatically reactivate.
3. All profile information, posts, and messages will be restored.

Reactivate Facebook:

• Simply log in to Facebook with your email/phone and password.
• Your profile, posts, and friends will be restored.
• Any prior deactivation settings will revert.

Reactivate Messenger (if previously deactivated):

• Open the Messenger app.
• Log in with the same Facebook credentials.
• Your chats and contacts will reappear.

Check account settings:

• Review privacy, notifications, and connected apps.
• Update any info that may have changed while deactivated.

Optional: Notify contacts you’re back online if needed.

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Tips for a Safe Deactivation

• Backup Your Data: Download photos, videos, and posts before deactivation.
• Review Privacy Settings: Control what information is shared with apps or friends.
• Inform Friends: Let close contacts know if you won’t be available on Facebook.
• Understand account types: Facebook deactivation hides your profile; Messenger can stay active separately.
• Backup data: Download posts, photos, and messages via Settings → Your Facebook Information → Download Your Information.
• Deactivate Facebook:
• Desktop: Settings → Your Facebook Information → Deactivation and Deletion → Deactivate Account
• Mobile: Settings → Personal and Account Information → Account Ownership and Control → Deactivation and Deletion → Deactivate Account
• Keep or deactivate Messenger:
• To stay active on Messenger, skip this step.
• To deactivate: Messenger app → Profile → Legal & Policies → Deactivate Messenger → Enter password → Confirm
• Review account visibility: Remove sensitive info, check friends list, and limit public posts.
• Log out from all devices: Prevent notifications or accidental access.
• Check connected apps and subscriptions: Ensure apps using Facebook login are updated.
• Notify contacts: Optional, if Messenger is still used for communication.
• Consider temporary break: Reactivation is possible anytime if unsure.

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FAQs About Facebook & Messenger Deactivation

Q1: What happens when I deactivate my Facebook account?
Ans: Your profile becomes invisible to others. People cannot search for you or view your timeline, but your messages to friends may still be visible. You can reactivate your account anytime by logging in.

Q2: Will I lose my data if I deactivate Facebook?
Ans: No, Facebook saves all your data. You can also download your information before deactivation for backup.

Q3: Can I still use Messenger after deactivating Facebook?
Ans: Yes, Messenger can remain active separately. You can still chat and be visible to friends.

Q4: How do I deactivate Messenger?
Ans: Open Messenger → Profile → Legal & Policies → Deactivate Messenger → Enter password → Confirm.

Q5: Will I lose Messenger chats if I deactivate it?
Ans: No, your chats are preserved and will reappear when you reactivate Messenger.

Q6: Can I reactivate Facebook and Messenger anytime?
Ans: Yes, logging in automatically restores both accounts.

Q7: What about apps that use Facebook login?
Ans: Some apps may stop working until you reactivate Facebook. It’s recommended to update connected apps before deactivation.

Q8: Can friends still see my messages after I deactivate Facebook?
Ans: Yes, messages you sent before deactivation remain visible in friends’ inboxes.

Q9: How long does deactivation last?
Ans: Indefinitely, until you choose to log in again.

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Conclusion

Deactivating your Facebook account and Messenger is easier than ever. By following this step-by-step guide, you can protect your privacy, take a digital break, or simply reduce screen time without losing your connections.

Take control of your online presence today and deactivate Facebook or Messenger with confidence.

Think about why you want to deactivate—whether for a break, privacy, or managing online presence—to choose the best approach for your situation.

Managing social media thoughtfully helps maintain control over your digital footprint. Deactivation can be a useful tool for balance, privacy, and peace of mind without permanently losing your content or connections.