Having issues logging out of your Facebook account can be frustrating. There are a few common reasons why you may be unable to log out of Facebook properly.
You are still logged in on another device
One of the most common reasons your Facebook account won’t log out is because you are still logged in on another device. Facebook allows you to stay logged in on multiple devices at the same time. So even if you log out on your computer, if you are still logged in on your phone you will remain logged in overall.
To fully log out of Facebook, you need to log out on all devices you are signed in on. This includes your computer, phone, tablet, or any other device where you access Facebook. Check that you are logged out on every device before assuming your account is properly logged out.
Your browser is still logged in
Even if you click the “Log Out” button on Facebook, your browser may still be keeping you logged in. Most browsers allow you to stay logged into websites for convenience. But this can prevent you from fully logging out of Facebook.
To make sure your browser is not keeping you logged in, you should clear your cookies and cached data. In most browsers you can do this by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Clear Browsing Data. Make sure cookies and site data are selected, then clear your history. Logging out after clearing your browser data should fully log you out.
A Facebook cookie or plugin is causing issues
Facebook uses cookies and browser plugins like the Facebook pixel to enhance their services. Sometimes these cookies and plugins can malfunction, re-logging you into Facebook when you do not want to be logged in.
Try deleting just your Facebook cookies to see if that fixes the issue. You can also try disabling any Facebook browser extensions you have installed. Interference from cookies or plugins could be overriding your log out attempts.
Your Facebook account was hacked
In worst case scenarios, your Facebook account could be hacked by someone else. If they are logged into your account on another device, it can make it appear like you are unable to log out.
Check your recent Facebook activity for any posts, messages, or actions you do not recognize. Use Facebook’s security tools to check for any unknown logins. If you see suspicious activity, your account may be compromised. Change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication if this is the case.
How to fully log out of Facebook on all devices
To ensure you are completely logged out of Facebook on all fronts, follow these steps:
- Log out of Facebook on every web browser you are signed into. Click your profile picture -> Log Out.
- On your mobile devices, go to the Facebook app and log out using the Settings menu.
- Clear your browser history, cookies, and cache on all devices.
- Close out of all browsers and apps, then re-open to double check you are logged out.
- Consider turning off Facebook platform apps and permissions in your Facebook settings.
Following these steps will sign you out of Facebook on all fronts. If you still have issues, it may be due to a deeper technical problem requiring troubleshooting your devices and web browsers.
Why Facebook makes it hard to log out completely
While it can be annoying, there are some reasons why Facebook makes it tricky to fully log out of your account on all devices and browsers:
- Convenience – Staying logged in allows you to easily access Facebook from anywhere.
- Performance – Keeping you logged in improves the performance and speed of Facebook.
- Data collection – It allows Facebook to continue collecting user data across devices and services.
- Engagement – Being persistently logged in leads to more time spent on Facebook.
For most users the convenience factor is the main appeal. But Facebook certainly benefits from users staying logged in as much as possible.
When to log out of Facebook fully
Here are some instances where you may want to log out of Facebook completely on all devices and browsers:
- Using a public or shared computer – Log out to prevent access to your account
- Going a long time without using Facebook – Log out for privacy reasons
- Fixing a technical issue with your account – Logging out and back in can reset things
- Switching Facebook accounts – Log out fully before accessing another account
- Troubleshooting login issues – Logging out everywhere is a troubleshooting step
Day to day, conveniently staying logged into Facebook across devices is fine for most people. But for privacy, technical fixes, or account switching, it can be beneficial to log out fully.
Pro tips for logging out of Facebook
Here are some advanced tips for logging out of Facebook cleanly and completely:
- Use Facebook’s “Logout of All Sessions” option – Find it under Settings & Security
- Uninstall the Facebook app from mobile devices you no longer use
- Clear Facebook login approvals – Go to facebook.com/mobiledevices
- Revoke Facebook Login if you use Facebook to sign into other apps
- Consider deleting your Facebook account if you want to leave completely
Using tools like “Logout of All Sessions” and removing Facebook mobile apps ensures there are no ways your account can remain logged in. Revoking Facebook Login removes connections with third-party apps.
What to do if you still can’t log out
If you are still having trouble fully logging out of Facebook after trying all troubleshooting steps, here are some next actions to take:
- Contact Facebook support – They can help diagnose and fix the issue
- Try logging out from a different device – Switch to a device you don’t normally use
- Change your Facebook password – This will log out all sessions
- Scan devices for malware – Malware could be responsible for persistent logins
- Delete and reactivate your Facebook account – Drastic but may fix stubborn issues
Be sure to check your recent Facebook activity for any unknown actions by another user. Persistent login issues could be a sign your account is compromised.
Preventing Facebook login issues
You can take some preventative measures to avoid getting stuck logged into Facebook when you don’t want to be:
- Log out fully after using public computers
- Only stay logged into Facebook on devices you own
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra security
- Change your password periodically to reset sessions
- Revoke Facebook Login access for unused apps
- Monitor your Facebook activity for unauthorized access
Being careful about where you stay logged into Facebook can prevent unwanted persistent logins. Enabling extra security measures like two-factor authentication also helps keep your account secure.
Conclusion
Having trouble logging out of Facebook can be a nuisance, but is usually fixable. The most likely culprits are remaining logged in on other devices, browser data keeping you logged in, or interference from cookies/plugins. Taking the time to fully log out across all your devices, clear your browser data, and revoke platform access permissions should allow you to fully log out. If issues persist, contact Facebook support or try advanced troubleshooting steps like changing your password. With some diligence, you should be able to log out of Facebook cleanly for privacy, security, or simply for peace of mind.