How To Deactivate Facebook In iPhone?

Deactivate Facebook on iPhone: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever felt like Facebook takes up a bit too much of your time or mental space? You’re not alone. With growing concerns about privacy, digital detoxing, and social media burnout, many iPhone users are considering taking a break from the platform—or stepping away for good. Whether you want a temporary pause or a full departure, this guide will walk you through how to deactivate Facebook on your iPhone in a stress-free way.

We’re breaking everything down into plain English, with screenshots (if you're viewing this with them) and simplified steps. No confusing tech jargon. No roundabout explanations. Just a clear roadmap to deactivating your account right from your iPhone. Ready to get some digital breathing room? Let’s dive in.

Why People Are Deactivating Facebook

Before we get into the how, let’s touch on the why. Everyone has their own reason, but here are some common motivations:

• Privacy concerns – Tired of data tracking and targeted ads?
• Time management – Facebook can be a massive time sink without us realizing it.
• Mental health – Studies show too much social media can increase anxiety and FOMO.
• Digital detox – Some users want to focus more on the real world and less on screens.
• Too much noise – Drama, fake news, endless posts... Sometimes you just need quiet.

No matter your reason, deactivating Facebook is a personal choice—and thankfully, the iPhone app makes it relatively simple if you know where to look.

Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting Your Account

This part is important. Facebook gives you two options:

1. Deactivating

• Your profile is hidden from others.
• You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in.
• Messenger still works (unless you choose to deactivate that too).

2. Deleting

• This is permanent. Once deleted, it’s gone.
• Your photos, messages, and friends are lost unless you back them up.
• You’ll have 30 days to change your mind—after that, it's irreversible.

In this article, we’re focusing on deactivation. If you’re not 100% sure about leaving Facebook for good, this is the safer choice. You can always come back later.

Step-by-Step: How to Deactivate Facebook on iPhone

Let’s walk through the exact steps. These instructions apply to the latest version of the Facebook app on iOS.

Step 1: Open the Facebook App

Pretty obvious, but let’s start at the top. Unlock your iPhone and tap the Facebook app icon to open it.

Step 2: Go to the Menu

In the bottom-right corner, you’ll see a menu icon (three stacked lines). Tap it to open the main menu.

Step 3: Access Settings & Privacy

Scroll down and tap “Settings & Privacy.” A dropdown will appear—now tap “Settings.”

Step 4: Navigate to Account Ownership and Control

Under the “Your Information” section, find and tap “Account Ownership and Control.”

Step 5: Tap Deactivation and Deletion

You’ll see two options: Deactivate or Delete. Tap this menu to proceed.

Step 6: Choose Deactivate Account

Make sure you select “Deactivate Account”—not “Delete Account” unless you’re absolutely sure.

Step 7: Follow the Prompts

• Enter your password for confirmation.
• Facebook will ask why you’re deactivating—choose any reason or skip it.
• You’ll be offered options to keep Messenger active or opt out entirely.

After confirming your choice, your account will be deactivated. Simple as that!

What Happens After You Deactivate?

So you’ve hit the button—what now? Here’s what you can expect:

• Your profile disappears from searches and timelines.
• Comments and posts you've made on other pages may still be visible, but your name will appear as plain text.
• You can still use Messenger unless you deactivated it too.
• You’ll stop getting Facebook notifications.
• Your account is safe—you can log back in anytime to reactivate it.

This makes deactivation a good “middle ground.” You’re not deleting anything, just taking a break.

How to Reactivate Your Account Later

Changed your mind? No problem. Reactivating your account is as easy as logging back in:

1. Open the Facebook app or go to facebook.com.
2. Enter your email or phone number and password.
3. Hit “Log In.”

That’s it. You’ll be right back where you left off—with all your friends, photos, and settings intact.

Tips for a Healthier Facebook Experience (If You Decide to Stay)

If you’re not ready to deactivate entirely but still want a better relationship with Facebook, here are a few quick tips:

• Unfollow without unfriending – Reduce drama or negativity in your feed.
• Set screen time limits – Use iOS Screen Time to cap daily usage.
• Turn off notifications – Stop the constant pings and reclaim your focus.
• Review privacy settings – Keep your info locked down to trusted friends.
• Clear out old apps – Remove third-party apps that no longer serve you.

Small changes like these can make a big difference in how Facebook fits into your life.

Bonus: Deactivating Facebook Messenger on iPhone

If you want to take things a step further and deactivate Messenger too, here’s how:

1. Make sure your Facebook account is already deactivated.
2. Open the Messenger app.
3. Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner.
4. Scroll down to “Legal & Policies.”
5. Tap “Deactivate Messenger.”
6. Enter your password and confirm.

Note: If you haven’t deactivated your main Facebook account first, the option to deactivate Messenger won’t appear.

Should You Deactivate Facebook?

Deactivating Facebook on your iPhone is a small action—but it can have a huge impact. Whether you’re doing it for mental health, productivity, or just a cleaner digital space, the benefits are real. And the best part? You’re always in control. You can come back when (and if) you’re ready.

So now we want to hear from you:

• Have you considered deactivating Facebook before?
• What would make you take a break from social media?
• Did you follow the steps above successfully?

Drop a comment below and let’s start the conversation. Sometimes the best part of stepping back is realizing how much more space you’ve made for what truly matters.