Social media platforms have become an integral part of daily routine nowadays. Managing your Facebook account on a smartphone can be a convenient way to stay connected with friends and family. However, there may be a time when you need to deactivate or delete it for personal reasons. That makes understanding the related procedures a vital skill in your arsenal.
This guide will walk you through how to deactivate Facebook on Android and iOS devices. It will give you the necessary information for informed decision-making regarding your online presence. Follow along to find a way to secure your social media apps from unwanted attention.
In this article
Part 1. What Is the Difference and Relationship Between Deactivate, Delete, and Reactivate of Facebook Account
Understanding the fundamental concepts associated with managing your profile is important to ensure you know what you are doing. The differences between deactivating, deleting, and reactivating your account matter greatly.
Each option offers a distinct approach depending on how long you intend to stay away from the platform. Summarized below is what each term means in the context of a question like How do I deactivate my Facebook account on iPhone:
- Deactivate: Deactivating your Facebook account is a temporary action. When you do that, your profile becomes invisible to others, and most of your data is hidden. However, Facebook retains your information, allowing you to reactivate the account anytime. Moreover, your posts, messages, and connections are not deleted.
- Delete: Opting to delete your Facebook account is a permanent action. Once deleted, your profile and all associated data are permanently erased after a 30-day grace period. Moreover, your account cannot be recovered after you choose this course.
- Reactivate: Reactivating an account means you restore a deactivated profile. By doing so, you reactivate your account, and all previously hidden data becomes accessible again.
Part 2. How To Deactivate Facebook on Android or iPhone
When you want to take a break from this social media platform but don’t want to lose your posts and messages, it is a great choice. Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile, making it invisible to others.
Moreover, doing so retains all of your profile data for future use. The process required for it is straightforward on both iOS and Android. Follow these steps to learn how do I delete my Facebook account from my phone:
Step 1. You can begin by opening the app and logging into your account to proceed. Following that, tap the "Three Horizontal Lines (Menu)" icon in the top-right (Android) or bottom-right (iPhone) corner.
Step 2. Now scroll down to press "Settings & Privacy" and select "Settings" on the following screen. Next, access Meta Accounts Centre and tap "Personal Details" from the "Account settings" section.
Step 3. On the subsequent screen, opt for "Account ownership and control" and hit the "Deactivation or deletion" option to proceed. To finalize the deactivation, select "Deactivate account" and click "Continue."
Is It Possible To Deactivate Facebook but Keep the Messenger App?
You can continue conversing with your friends even after taking a break from the leading platform. Your profile and posts will be hidden from others if you deactivate your Facebook account. However, your Messenger account remains active and can be used to approach you. It means you can deactivate Facebook but keep Messenger to continue sending and receiving messages.
Yet, it means new people from the platform cannot text you as your profile is no longer visible. You would need to deactivate or delete the Messenger app separately if you dont want this feature. To do this, simply log out of Messenger or uninstall the app from your device.
Part 3. How To Delete Facebook on Android or iPhone
As addiction to social media platforms can disturb your life routine, you may want to remove your presence altogether. Account deletion will result in the permanent erasure of all associated data, including posts, photos, and messages.
Once the thirty-day grace period has passed, you cannot get your profile back. When certain about doing so, follow the simple steps below to learn how to remove your FB account from your phone:
Step 1. To kickstart the operation, launch the Facebook app and sign in to your account. Then, locate the "Three Horizontal Lines" or the "Profile" icon in the top-right corner for Android or the bottom-right corner for iDevices.
Step 2. Afterward, scroll down and tap "Settings & Privacy" to choose "Settings" from the options presented. Following this, go to the Meta Accounts Centre and select "Personal Details" under the "Account settings" section.
Step 3. Next, tap on "Account ownership and control" and select "Deactivation or deletion" to move forward. Lastly, pick "Delete account" and press "Continue" to finalize the process using the instructions.
Part 4. How To Reactivate Facebook on Android or iPhone
Getting back your account after a temporary break is a straightforward process. Reactivating your account restores your profile, posts, and all your data completely unchanged. All you need to do is log into your account to do so on Android and iOS devices. Described below are the instructions to help you answer the query of how do you reactivate your Facebook account:
Instructions. Get to the app or website via a browser and enter your account's email/phone number and password. Once logged in, your account will be automatically reactivated, and all your data will be restored.
Pro Tip: How To Manage Screen Time for Your Facebook or Messenger App
Spending too much time on social media is what leads users to take a break in an attempt to correct their habits. Hence, managing your screen time can help you maintain a healthier balance between social media and daily life. Moreover, limiting app usage not only improves productivity but also reduces digital fatigue. On iDevices, the best approach to achieve this goal is Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS).
This powerful tool allows users to manage screen time by locking specific apps like Facebook and Messenger with a passcode or Face ID. By setting custom time limits, you can control how long you or your family members spend on social media. It also provides flexible options to schedule app access, ensuring that you stay focused during work or study hours.
Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS) - The Best Privacy App
- Protect sensitive apps and personal data from prying eyes with robust security features.
- Set daily or weekly time limits for specific apps to manage usage and reduce screen time.
- Works smoothly on iOS devices without jailbreak, ensuring device security and warranty protection.
Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS)
Enhanced App Security: Lock/Hide Apps Based on Time and Location
- Lock apps to prevent accidental deletions or downloads.
- Hide apps from the home screen for enhanced privacy.
- Face ID/PIN code protection for secure access.
- Supports iOS 16 and above.
Guide on How To Lock Facebook or Messenger Apps via Dr.Fone App – App Lock (iOS)
It helps parents monitor and limit their children’s screen time by banning social media or gaming apps. Follow these simple instructions to complete the process of locking your Facebook app:
01of 03Set Up the Security Lock and Proceed to Choose Apps
Utilize the App Store to install this app on your iDevice and open it to press the blue AI Toolbox icon. On the subsequent screen, move toward the "Discover" section and select the "App Lock" option. Now, use the "Gear" icon to set up the lock code using PIN and Face ID if it is your first time using the app.
02of 03Choose the Targeted Apps and Select a Mode
Following that, tap "Please add a group first" and hit "Select apps" to choose FaceBook and Messenger apps. Then, use "Save" to add them to the group and rename it before opting for a lock mode. You can select between "Private Mode" or "Locked Mode," depending on your preferences. The first makes the chosen apps invisible, while the other restricts access to them.
03of 03Define the Time and Days to Set Screen Time Restrictions
After making the choice, scroll down to tap the arrow next to "None" to approach the "Restrict Zone." Here, you can choose to lock the selected apps depending on the location or time. To implement screen time, opt for "Restrict Time" and define the time hours and days for the app lock to work. Once you are done, hit the "Save" option to complete this operation.
Conclusion
In summary, managing your Facebook account effectively gives you full control over your online presence. Understanding the differences between main options ensures you can make the best decision based on your needs. The guide walks you through the simplest steps for how to deactivate Facebook on Android and iOS devices. Additionally, using reliable tools to manage screen time is essential to limit the time spent on social apps.
For those seeking a secure and efficient way to control app usage, the Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS) is highly recommended. Its advanced features make it a powerful tool for managing social media engagement. Take control of your digital well-being today with the Dr.Fone App and create a more secure mobile experience.
Ahmed Absal
staff Editor
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