Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of 2019. While many find it useful for connecting with friends and family online, others prefer to take a break from the platform or remove it from their devices entirely.
Removing your Facebook account from a device prevents the app from accessing your info and notifications. It can help reduce distractions, reclaim storage space, and give you more control over your digital experiences. However, it also makes your Facebook profile and data inaccessible from that device.
Why Would You Want to Remove Facebook?
There are a few key reasons people may want to remove Facebook from their smartphones, tablets, or computers:
- Avoid distractions – The constant notifications and endless scrolling can make Facebook an addictive distraction from work, school, or personal relationships.
- Reclaim storage space – The Facebook app and stored data can take up significant storage, which you may want for other apps and files.
- Enhance privacy/security – Removing Facebook makes it harder for others to access your account and data if they use your device without consent.
- Find better balance – Deleting the app can encourage more mindfulness about social media use and broader life balance.
- Take a break – A “Facebook detox” lets people reset their relationship with the platform after frequent or compulsive use.
Overall, removing Facebook gives users more control over their digital experiences. It allows reassessing the role and impact of social media.
How to Remove Facebook App from Your Phone or Tablet
If you want to remove the Facebook app from your iPhone, Android, iPad, or other mobile devices, here are the key steps:
iPhone or iPad
- Open the App Library on your iOS device.
- Long press on the Facebook app icon until options appear.
- Tap Remove App.
- Confirm by tapping Delete App again.
This removes the Facebook app from your home screen. However, it does not delete your account or data, so you can download the app again later if desired.
Android Device
- Open the Apps menu on your Android device.
- Long press on the Facebook app icon.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Confirm by tapping OK or Uninstall again.
As with iOS, this only removes the app from your device, not your account or data. You can add the Facebook app back at any time through the Google Play Store.
How to Log Out of Facebook on Your Computer
You may also want to log out of Facebook on a Windows PC, Mac, or other computer. Here’s how:
On a Windows PC
- Click the user icon in the top right corner.
- Select Log Out.
- Click Log Out again to confirm.
On a Mac
- Click the user icon in the top right corner.
- Hover over your profile picture.
- Select Log Out.
- Confirm by clicking Log Out again.
This signs you out of Facebook proper. However, remember to also sign out of Facebook Business Tools like Messenger or Workplace if you have those installed and want to fully disconnect.
How to Deactivate Your Facebook Account
If you want to take a longer break from Facebook or leave it entirely, deactivating your account is the best option. Here’s how it works:
- Click the down arrow in the top right of Facebook.
- Select Settings & Privacy.
- Click Settings.
- Click Your Facebook Information in the left column.
- Select Deactivation and Deletion.
- Choose Deactivate Account, then Continue to Account Deactivation.
- Select a reason for deactivating your account from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your password to confirm your identity.
- Click Deactivate.
Deactivating your Facebook account hides your profile and removes some data, but does not delete the account entirely. You can reactive your account at any time by logging back in with your credentials.
What Happens When You Deactivate Facebook?
Deactivating your account initiates the following:
- Your profile, photos, posts, videos, and other data are hidden from other users.
- You cannot be searched for or contacted on Facebook.
- Facebook does not send you notifications or emails.
- You cannot use Facebook to log into other apps.
- Most data remains stored in Facebook’s system, ready to be reactivated.
So deactivation lets you take a break while retaining the option to return in future.
How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account
If you are certain you want to permanently remove your Facebook presence, you can delete your account entirely. Here is the process:
- Click the down arrow at top right of Facebook.
- Select Settings & Privacy.
- Click Settings.
- Click Your Facebook Information in the left menu.
- Select Deactivation and Deletion.
- Choose Delete Account, then Continue to Account Deletion.
- Select your reason for deleting your account.
- Re-enter your password to confirm identity.
- Click Delete Account.
What Happens When You Delete Facebook?
Deleting your Facebook account permanently erases the following:
- Your profile, photos, posts, videos, and other data.
- Your contacts, messages, and connections.
- Your account cannot be retrieved or reactivated.
- Some data may remain in Facebook’s systems for legal reasons.
- It can take up to 90 days for the account deletion to fully process.
So unlike deactivation, deleting your account is designed to be permanent. You cannot reclaim the account or data in future.
Other Options for Managing Facebook Access
Aside from removing Facebook entirely, you may want to limit or disable specific aspects of your account. Here are some options:
Temporarily Disable Your Account
You can temporarily disable your account for up to 30 days if you want a quick break from Facebook. Just go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Deactivation and Deletion.
Increase Account Security
Strengthen login, privacy, and password security to restrict unauthorized access to your Facebook account. Enable two-factor authentication and frequently update passwords and login approvals.
Adjust Notifications & Emails
Limit distractions by adjusting which notifications you receive and how often Facebook emails you. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Notifications and Settings & Privacy > Settings > Email.
Unfollow Contacts or Pages
Stay connected but mute distracting contacts or pages rather than seeing all their posts. Hover over a contact or page and select Unfollow.
Limit App Permissions
Control what data other apps and services can access from your Facebook account by updating your App and Website settings.
News Feed Filters
Alter what posts appear in your News Feed and customize filters to hide unwanted or distracting content.
Conclusion
Removing Facebook from your devices provides more control over your account, data privacy, distractions, and digital habits. You can delete the app from your smartphone or tablet, log out from your computer web browser, deactivate your account for a temporary break, or permanently delete your account and data entirely.
Adjusting other settings like notifications and app permissions also allows you to manage your Facebook access and presence. Overall, the platform offers customizable options to meet your evolving needs and online preferences.
Hopefully this guide helps you understand the key steps to removing Facebook from your iPhone, Android, iPad, computer, or devices. Taking a thoughtful approach allows you to maintain account security, minimize distractions, and achieve your ideal social media experience.
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