Facebook allows users to deactivate their accounts either from the website or mobile app. Deactivating an account is different from deleting it – when you deactivate, your profile is hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in. Deleting an account permanently removes all your info and content from Facebook.
Deactivating from the mobile app is quick and easy, ideal if you want to take a break from Facebook without losing your profile. This article outlines the steps to deactivate Facebook from iOS and Android devices. We’ll also cover how deactivation differs from deletion, reactivating your account, and alternative options like disabling notifications or restricting app access.
Benefits of Deactivating from Mobile
There are several advantages to deactivating your Facebook account from the mobile app rather than the website:
- It’s faster – just a couple quick taps rather than navigating multiple menus
- More convenient if you browse Facebook primarily on your phone
- Lets you easily take a Facebook break if you find the app distracting or time-consuming
- Temporarily hides your profile information without permanently deleting the account
Deactivating from mobile takes seconds, so it’s handy if you want to quickly disconnect for a social media detox or mental health break. It’s also useful before lending your phone to someone else temporarily.
How Deactivation Differs from Deletion
Although deactivation pauses your account, it does not permanently erase it like deletion. Here are the key differences:
| Deactivation | Deletion |
|---|---|
| Temporarily hides profile and content | Permanently deletes profile and content |
| Can easily reactivate account later | Very difficult to recover deleted account |
| Maintains user data in inactive status | Removes user data from Facebook servers |
| Friends remain connected | Friends lost and have to be re-added |
As you can see, deactivation pauses your account while retention your data, allowing you to reactivate with ease. Deletion is more final – once an account is deleted, the data and connections are gone.
Step 1 – Open the Facebook App
To begin the deactivation process through mobile, first open the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android device.
If you can’t find the app, check your home screen or apps menu. Tap the blue Facebook icon to launch the app.
When opened, you should see your Facebook News Feed or homepage. This is the starting point to access the account settings for deactivation.
Step 2 – Go to Menu & Settings
From your Facebook News Feed:
- iOS: Tap the three-line Menu button in the bottom right corner. It’s located between the Home and Watch icons.
- Android: Tap the three-line Menu button in the top right corner next to the Search bar.
This will open the side menu. Here you need to access your Account Settings.
- iOS: Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy – it’s about halfway down the menu.
- Android: Tap Settings & Privacy at the very top of the menu.
Tapping this will open your Facebook account settings page within the app.
Step 3 – Choose Security and Login
On the Settings page:
- iOS: Tap Security and Login
- Android: Tap Security
This is the section where you can view and change various account security settings.
Step 4 – Select Deactivate Account
On the Security settings page:
- iOS & Android: Scroll down and tap Deactivate Account
This option is usually located near the bottom of the Security and Login or Security page. Tap it to initiate deactivating your account.
Step 5 – Confirm Deactivation
After tapping Deactivate Account, a pop-up will appear asking you to confirm deactivation.
Carefully read the information explaining what deactivation does. If ready to proceed, tap Continue to Deactivate.
This will deactivate your account and immediately sign you out of the Facebook app. Your profile is now hidden until you log back in to reactivate.
Reactivating Your Facebook Account
If you change your mind later and want to reactivate your Facebook account, simply log back into the mobile app or website.
Enter your email/username and password when prompted. Facebook will detect your deactivated account status and instantly reactivate your profile.
You may need to re-confirm your email or phone number depending on how long the account was deactivated. But otherwise, the process is quick and your account will be fully restored.
Other Options Besides Deactivation
Deactivating your account isn’t the only option to limit Facebook access through mobile. Here are a few other choices to consider:
Disable Notifications
Cut down on distractions by turning off notifications for the Facebook app. You can toggle notifications on/off in your phone’s settings.
Log Out of the App
Logging out signs you out without deactivating. Your profile remains visible to others. Log back in anytime to access your account.
Restrict App Access
Limit how much you can use the app by blocking it for certain hours or days via your device’s parental controls or app timer.
Remove the App
Deleting the Facebook app from your phone prevents access completely. You can always reinstall it later if wanted.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Facebook account via the mobile app is fast and straightforward. It’s a temporary solution if you want to take a social media break or limit access without permanently deleting your profile.
Simply access your account settings through the Facebook app menu, choose the deactivation option, and confirm to disable your account. When ready, log back in with your credentials to reactivate your Facebook profile. Alternatively, try restricting app notifications or access to control usage.