The quickest way to log off Facebook
To log off Facebook, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on mobile or the top right on a computer, scroll down to "Log Out", and select it. Facebook will end your session when ready. You will need to enter your password again the next time you want to use the account.
The process takes about five seconds. After you log out, Facebook stops tracking your activity on that device until you log back in. This is different from straightforward closing the app or browser — closing the window does not always end your session, and Facebook may continue to collect data about your device.
If you share a device with other people, logging out is the standard way to prevent them from accessing your account. Closing the app alone leaves you logged in.
Key Takeaways
- Logging out removes your session from that specific device, but your account and all your information remain on Facebook's servers.
- On mobile, tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right, scroll to "Log Out", and confirm; on a computer, the menu is in the top right corner.
- Closing the Facebook app or browser tab does not log you out — you must select "Log Out" from the menu to end your session.
- After logging out, you can log back in anytime with your email or phone number and password.
How to log out on iPhone or iPad
Open the Facebook app and look for the menu icon — three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other — in the bottom right corner of your screen. Tap it to open the menu.
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the menu. You will see "Log Out" as the last option. Tap it, and Facebook will ask you to confirm. Select "Log Out" again in the confirmation box. Your session ends when ready, and you are logged out.
The next time you open the Facebook app, you will see the login screen with fields for your email address (or phone number) and password. Enter your credentials to log back in.
How to log out on Android phones and tablets
Open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon — three horizontal lines — located in the bottom right corner of your screen. This opens the main menu.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the menu list. You will find "Log Out" as the final option. Tap it, and a confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Select "Log Out" to confirm, and your session will end.
When you next open the app, the login screen will appear. You can log back in using your email, phone number, or username along with your password.
How to log out on a computer or laptop
Go to Facebook.com and look for the menu icon in the top right corner of the page — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow or a circle with your profile picture. Click it to open the dropdown menu.
Scroll down in the menu until you see "Log Out". Click it once. Facebook will end your session, and you will be taken to a page confirming you are logged out.
If you are using a shared computer, logging out is especially important. It prevents the next person who uses that computer from accessing your account, messages, or personal information.
What happens after you log out
Once you log out, Facebook stops tracking your activity on that device. Your account information — photos, messages, posts, friends list — remains stored on Facebook's servers. Logging out does not delete anything from your account.
If you are on a website that uses Facebook to sign in or show ads, logging out of Facebook may affect how those services work. Some websites use your Facebook login to remember you, so you may need to log in again the next time you visit.
You can log back in anytime from any device by entering your email address (or phone number or username) and password. Facebook will recognize your account and restore your session.
The difference between logging out and deactivating your account
Logging out and deactivating are two completely different actions. When you log out, you straightforward end your current session on one device. Your account stays active, and you can log back in whenever you want. Facebook continues to store all your information.
Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile, posts, and messages from other people, but Facebook keeps all your data. Deleting your account is permanent and removes your information from Facebook after a waiting period, though some data may remain in their backups.
For most people, logging out is all that is needed when you step away from a device or want to prevent someone else from using your account.
Logging out of Facebook on shared or public devices
If you use Facebook on a computer or phone that other people also use, logging out is essential. It prevents the next person from seeing your messages, photos, or personal information.
Make a habit of logging out every time you finish using Facebook on a shared device. Do not rely on closing the browser or app — that does not end your session. Always use the "Log Out" option from the menu.
If you forget to log out and someone else uses the device, they may be able to access your account. If this happens, log in from a different device, change your password, and review your login activity in your security settings to see where your account was accessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my photos, messages, or posts?
No. Logging out only ends your session on that device. All your photos, messages, posts, and account information stay on Facebook's servers. When you log back in, everything will be exactly as you left it.
Can I log out of Facebook on all my devices at once?
You can log out of all active sessions from your security settings. Go to Settings, then Security and Login, and look for "Where You're Logged In". You will see a list of devices. Select "Log Out of All Sessions" or click the three dots next to each device and choose "Log Out" individually.
What if I forget my password after logging out?
On the Facebook login screen, click "Forgotten Password?" and follow the steps. Facebook will send a link to your email address or phone number. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log back in.
Does logging out stop Facebook from tracking me?
Logging out stops Facebook from tracking your activity within the app or on Facebook.com. However, Facebook may still track your activity on other websites through pixels and cookies, depending on your privacy settings and browser choices.
Is logging out the same as turning off notifications?
No. Turning off notifications stops alerts from appearing on your device, but you remain logged in. Logging out ends your entire session. You can turn off notifications without logging out, or log out without changing your notification settings.