There are a few potential reasons why your Facebook account may reactivate after you have deactivated it. Facebook’s algorithms are complex and can sometimes lead to accounts reactivating unexpectedly. Additionally, settings changes or glitches in the system can also cause deactivated accounts to come back online. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind Facebook accounts reactivating on their own and provide some tips to prevent it from happening again.
You didn’t fully deactivate your account
One of the most common reasons Facebook accounts reactivate is because the account wasn’t fully deactivated in the first place. When you choose to deactivate your Facebook account, you have two options:
- Temporarily deactivate for a set period of time (anywhere from 1 day to 30 days)
- Permanently deactivate
If you choose to temporarily deactivate, your account will automatically reactivate once the set time period expires. Many users mistake temporarily deactivating for fully closing the account, so when the time runs out, they are surprised to find their account active again.
To prevent this from happening, be sure you are selecting the “Permanently deactivate” option when going through the deactivation process. This will ensure your account stays deactivated until you personally log back in.
You logged into another Facebook-connected app or site
Many apps and websites allow you to log in using your Facebook account. When you use your Facebook credentials to log into a third-party app, it essentially reactivates your Facebook connection behind the scenes.
Some examples of apps and sites that may automatically log you back into Facebook include:
- Spotify
- Tinder
- Farmville
- Dating apps like Hinge or Bumble
- News sites or blogs that allow Facebook comments
If you log into any app or website with your Facebook info after deactivating, it can essentially “undo” the deactivation without you realizing it. Be sure to fully log out of all connected apps before deactivating your account. Also, avoid logging into other apps with Facebook while your account is deactivated.
You accessed Facebook Messenger
When you deactivate your Facebook account, your Messenger account remains active. This allows you to continue messaging friends through the Messenger app or website.
However, accessing Messenger also leaves a door open that can reactivate your Facebook account. Performing certain actions like updating settings or linking your Instagram within Messenger can turn Facebook back on without warning.
If you want your Facebook to remain permanently deactivated, avoid accessing Messenger as much as possible. Also, unlink or delete any connected apps like Instagram from within Messenger before deactivating your Facebook.
Your account was hacked or accessed by someone else
In some cases, a deactivated Facebook account can become active again due to someone else accessing it. If your account lacks proper security, gets hacked, or someone gains access to your login info, they can easily reactivate your Facebook.
When your account is accessed, Facebook’s algorithms assume you intentionally logged back in and turn your account back on. Make sure you have strong passwords, two-factor authentication enabled, and no suspicious devices logged into your account.
Also be wary of shady emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from Facebook. These scams can sometimes trick users into handing over login credentials and reactivating deactivated accounts.
Facebook had a technical glitch or error
In rare cases, a simple technical error can also reactivate a Facebook account. Facebook’s systems are complex, and all it takes is a minor glitch to accidentally flip the switch on a deactivated account.
Errors in the deactivation process, bugs when syncing data across Facebook’s systems, or issues with reactivation cancellation requests can all lead to accounts suddenly turning back on.
If your account seems to have reactivated itself out of the blue, a technical glitch or bug may be to blame. Consider reporting the problem directly to Facebook so they can look into it and fix any potential error.
You accidentally accessed your account while deactivated
Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. If you find your deactivated Facebook account has become active again, you may have accidentally accessed it without realizing.
Actions like clicking an old notification email from Facebook, tapping a Facebook link on Google, or absentmindedly logging into Facebook can all reactivate your account.
Be extra diligent about avoiding your Facebook URL, app, emails, or profile while your account is deactivated. Even mindlessly accessing your account can turn it back on.
Facebook lifted a previously imposed restriction
In some specific cases, a deactivated Facebook account can reactivate if Facebook removes a block or restriction that was previously put in place.
For example, if your account was temporarily restricted due to suspicious activity or a policy violation, Facebook may have imposed a forced deactivation for a certain time period. Once the restriction time period is up, your account would automatically come back online.
Look through your emails and notifications from Facebook to see if there were any restrictions or blocks imposed on your account before the deactivation occurred. This may provide insight into why your account suddenly reactivated.
You have an Oculus VR device linked to your account
If you have an Oculus virtual reality headset, it requires a Facebook account to be linked in order to operate. This means if you deactivate your Facebook account while still having it connected to an Oculus device, it can automatically reactivate your Facebook profile behind the scenes.
Before deactivating your Facebook account, make sure to unlink it from any associated Oculus devices. You may need to do a factory reset of your Oculus headset to fully sever the connection. This will prevent the device from restarting your Facebook account.
Facebook’s algorithms decided it was time to re-engage you
At the end of the day, Facebook is a business looking to keep users active and engaged. The platform’s algorithms are constantly analyzing signals to determine when deactivated accounts should be nudged to reactivate.
If you’ve been gone for a while, Facebook may decide it’s time to tempt you back and switch your account back on. Browsing habits, ads you’ve clicked, emails you’ve opened, and other signals can all factor into when Facebook attempts to pull you back in.
Unfortunately there is not much you can do about Facebook’s algorithms other than permanently deleting your account if you wish to avoid their pull. As long as your account is merely deactivated, Facebook’s systems may try to bring you back from time to time.
Tips to prevent Facebook from reactivating
Here are some tips to help prevent your deactivated Facebook account from turning itself back on:
- Double check that you have permanently deactivated, not temporarily deactivated
- Fully log out of any Facebook-connected apps or sites
- Avoid accessing Messenger and remove any linked apps within Messenger
- Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords
- Watch for suspicious login activity or locations
- Don’t click on emails or notifications from Facebook
- Unlink your account from any Oculus devices
- Report any unexpected reactivations directly to Facebook
- Delete rather than deactivate if you truly want Facebook gone for good
Should I fully delete my Facebook instead?
If you find your Facebook account continues reactivating despite your best efforts, you may want to consider fully deleting your account instead of just deactivating. Here’s a quick rundown of how deletion differs from deactivation:
Deactivation
- Reversible – your account can easily be reactivated
- Data remains intact – your info and posts stay on Facebook’s servers
- Friends stay connected – your friend network remains
- Easy to undo – you can log back in at any time
Deletion
- Permanent – much harder to retrieve your account
- Data erased – your posts, photos, videos, and info are removed
- Friends disconnected – your connections are deleted
- Account gone – you cannot simply log back in
As you can see, deletion is much more likely to prevent accidental reactivations. However, it also permanently erases your account and severs all connections on the platform. Be certain you are ready to fully delete your Facebook before going this route, as it is difficult (but not impossible) to recover a deleted account.
Conclusion
While unexpected Facebook account reactivations can certainly be annoying, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again. Double check your deactivation method, avoid inadvertent logins, beware of shady emails or texts, and consider fully deleting your account if deactivation isn’t sticking. With proper diligence, you can keep your deactivated Facebook from spontaneously reactivating on its own.