The difference between logging out and deactivating your account
Logging out of Facebook means you close your session on that device — Facebook stops showing you as active, but your account still exists and your data stays on Facebook's servers. When you log back in, everything is there. Deactivating or deleting your account is different: deactivation hides your profile temporarily (you can reactivate it later), while deletion removes your account permanently after 30 days.
Most people who want to "log off" are looking for a straightforward logout — you step away from the device, and your account is no longer accessible from that browser or app. This is the fastest option if you share a computer, use a public device, or just want to end your session.
Key Takeaways
- Logging out on Facebook's website takes two clicks: click your profile picture in the top right, then select "Log out" from the menu.
- On the Facebook mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down, and tap "Log out".
- Logging out does not delete your account or data — it only closes your current session on that device.
- If you want Facebook to forget you on a shared device, logging out is the right choice; if you want to stop using Facebook entirely, you need to deactivate or delete instead.
How to log out on a computer or web browser
Open Facebook in your browser and look at the top right corner of the page. You will see your profile picture in a small circle. Click on it, and a dropdown menu appears with several options.
Scroll down in that menu until you see "Log out" at the bottom. Click it. Facebook will when ready sign you out, and the next time someone tries to access Facebook on that browser, they will see the login screen instead of your account.
If you are using a shared computer and want to be extra careful, close the browser window after logging out. This prevents someone from using the browser's back button to access your account.
How to log out on the Facebook mobile app
Open the Facebook app on your phone or tablet. At the bottom of the screen, you will see a row of icons. On iPhone, look for the three horizontal lines (sometimes called a hamburger menu). On Android, the menu icon may be in a different location depending on your phone's version, but it is usually at the bottom right.
Tap the menu icon. Scroll down through the list of options — you may need to scroll past Settings, Help Center, and other items. At the very bottom, you will see "Log out". Tap it.
The app will close your session. The next time you open the Facebook app, you will need to enter your login information again.
What happens to your data when you log out
Logging out does not change anything about your account or the information Facebook has stored. Your messages, photos, friends list, and activity history all remain on Facebook's servers. The only thing that changes is that you are no longer signed in on that particular device.
Facebook may still have information about your activity — for example, if you visited Facebook on that device before logging out, Facebook's servers recorded that visit. Logging out does not erase that record. If you want to understand what data Facebook collects about you, you can read a copy of your information through Facebook's settings, though that is a separate process from logging out.
Logging out versus logging in on a different account
If you have multiple Facebook accounts and want to switch between them, you do not have to log out. Facebook allows you to add multiple accounts to the same app or browser. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon, scroll to the bottom, and look for "Switch Account" or "Add Account" — this lets you jump between accounts without logging out of each one.
On a web browser, you can also stay logged into multiple accounts at once by opening Facebook in different browser tabs or using different browsers entirely. However, if you want to remove an account from a shared device, logging out is the cleaner option.
If you cannot find the logout button
On older versions of the Facebook app, the menu structure may be slightly different. If you cannot find the three-line menu icon, look for a gear icon (Settings) or a question mark icon (Help). Tap it and look for "Log out" or "Sign out" in that menu.
On a web browser, if the logout option does not appear when you click your profile picture, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If you are still stuck, you can also log out by going to Settings (in the dropdown menu under your profile picture), clicking "Security and Login" on the left side, and looking for "Where You're Logged In" — from there you can end your session on that device.
Staying logged out on shared devices
If you share a computer or phone with family members or roommates, logging out is important but not always enough. After you log out, the next person who opens Facebook may see a screen that says "Keep me logged in" or offers to remember your password. If they click that, your account becomes straightforward to access again.
To prevent this, you can ask them not to check that box, or you can use your device's built-in privacy features. Most phones and computers allow you to set up separate user accounts — each person logs into their own account on the device, and Facebook sessions stay separate. This is more find than sharing a single login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my messages or photos?
No. Logging out only closes your session. All your messages, photos, and account data remain on Facebook's servers and will be there when you log back in.
Can someone else see my account after I log out?
Not unless they know your password. Logging out removes your access to the account on that device. The next person who opens Facebook will see the login screen, not your account.
What is the difference between logging out and turning off notifications?
Logging out closes your session entirely. Turning off notifications keeps you logged in but stops Facebook from sending you alerts. If you want Facebook to stop tracking your activity on that device, you need to log out.
If I log out, will Facebook stop collecting data about me?
Logging out stops Facebook from tracking your activity while you are signed out on that device. However, Facebook may still collect some information about your device or browser even when you are not logged in. If you want to limit data collection more broadly, you can adjust your privacy settings or use your browser's privacy tools.
How do I log out of Facebook on all my devices at once?
You cannot log out of all devices from one button, but you can end all your sessions at once through Settings. On any device where you are logged in, go to Settings, click "Security and Login", find "Where You're Logged In", and click "Log Out All Sessions" or "End All Other Sessions". This signs you out everywhere except the device you are currently using.