The fastest way to log out depends on what device you're using

On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook, then select "Log out" from the menu. On a phone or tablet, open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down, and tap "Log out". If you're using Facebook in a web browser on your phone instead of the app, use the same computer steps — click the arrow and select "Log out".

The logout process takes about five seconds and when ready ends your session. After you log out, Facebook stops showing your activity as active to other users, and anyone trying to message you will see that you're offline. Your account itself remains active — logging out is different from deleting or deactivating your account.

If you forget to log out on a shared device, you can still end your session remotely. Go to Settings on any device where you're logged in, find "Where you're logged in", and click "Log out" next to any session you want to end. This works even if you're not physically near that device.

Key Takeaways

  • On a computer, click the arrow in the top right corner and select "Log out" — this is the fastest method.
  • On a phone or tablet app, tap the three lines at the bottom right, scroll down, and tap "Log out".
  • Logging out when ready stops showing you as active but does not delete your account or your information.
  • You can log out of sessions on other devices remotely through Settings, even if you're not physically there.
  • If you stay logged in, Facebook continues to track your activity and show you as online to your contacts.

Logging out on Windows and Mac computers

Open Facebook in any web browser. In the top right corner, you'll see a small downward-pointing arrow or your profile picture. Click it. A dropdown menu will appear with several options including "Settings & privacy", "Settings", and "Log out". Click "Log out" at the bottom of that menu.

After you click "Log out", the page will redirect to the Facebook login screen. You are now logged out. If you close the browser without logging out, you will remain logged in the next time you visit Facebook on that computer — logging out is the only way to fully end your session on a shared device.

Logging out on iPhones and Android phones

Open the Facebook app. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a row of icons. On iPhone, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) on the far right. On Android, the menu icon may appear in the bottom right or top right depending on your phone model — look for three horizontal lines or three dots. Tap it.

Scroll down to the very bottom of the menu. You'll see "Log out" as the last option. Tap it. The app will close and return you to the login screen. The next time you open the Facebook app, you'll need to enter your email or phone number and password to log back in.

Logging out of Facebook in a mobile web browser

If you use Facebook through Safari, Chrome, or another browser on your phone instead of the app, the process is the same as on a computer. Tap the arrow or profile picture in the top right corner of the screen. Tap "Log out" from the menu that appears. The browser will redirect to the login page.

Many people don't realize they're using the browser version instead of the app. If you see the Facebook website with a URL bar at the top, you're in a browser. If the screen fills edge to edge with no URL bar, you're in the app. Both work the same way to log out, but the app is usually faster on phones.

Ending sessions on devices you don't have with you

If you forgot to log out on a shared computer, tablet, or phone, you can end that session without being there. On any device where you're currently logged in, go to Settings. Click "Security and login" or "Where you're logged in" depending on your account version. You'll see a list of all devices and browsers where your account is active.

Next to each device, you'll see the location, device type, and when you last used it. Click or tap "Log out" next to the device you want to end. Facebook will when ready end that session. The person using that device will be logged out the next time they try to use Facebook.

This feature is useful if you used Facebook on a friend's computer, a library computer, or a device you no longer own. You can log out of all sessions at once by clicking "Log out of all sessions" at the bottom of the list, though this will log you out everywhere including your current device.

What happens to your information after you log out

Logging out does not delete any of your posts, photos, messages, or account information. Everything stays on Facebook's servers. Your friends can still see your profile, your past posts, and your photos. Other people can still send you messages, though you won't receive notifications until you log back in.

Facebook stops tracking your real-time activity once you log out. The site no longer knows what you're doing, what websites you visit, or when you're online. Your contacts will see you as offline. However, Facebook still has access to all the information you've shared with them in the past — logging out only stops new tracking, it doesn't erase old data.

If you want to stop Facebook from tracking you across the internet even while you're logged in, you can adjust your privacy settings. But logging out is the simplest way to may support Facebook isn't monitoring your activity in real time.

The difference between logging out, deactivating, and deleting

Logging out ends your current session but leaves your account active. Deactivating your account hides your profile from other users for a set period, but Facebook keeps all your information and can reactivate it if you log back in. Deleting your account permanently removes your profile and most of your data after 30 days, though some information may remain on Facebook's backup servers.

If you only want to take a break from Facebook, deactivation is the middle option. If you want to stop using Facebook entirely and remove your presence from the platform, deletion is permanent. If you just want to end your current session — for example, on a shared device — logging out is what you need.

Troubleshooting when the log out button doesn't appear

If you can't find the logout option, you may be looking in the wrong place. On computers, the arrow or profile picture is always in the top right corner of the page — not the top left. On phones, the three-line menu icon is at the bottom of the app screen, not the top. Make sure you're scrolled all the way down in the menu before looking for "Log out".

If the logout button still doesn't appear, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the app. If Facebook is having technical problems, the menu may not load correctly. Wait a few minutes and try again. If you're using an older version of the Facebook app, update it through your phone's app store — outdated versions sometimes have missing features.

If you're locked out of your account or can't log in at all, that's a different problem from logging out. You would need to use Facebook's account recovery process instead, which involves verifying your identity through email or phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does logging out delete my messages or posts?

No. Logging out only ends your session. All your messages, posts, photos, and account information remain on Facebook. Your friends can still see your profile and contact you. Everything comes back exactly as it was when you log back in.

Will people know I logged out?

People will see that you're offline once you log out, but they won't get a notification that you logged out. Facebook doesn't send alerts when someone logs out. Your contacts will straightforward see you as inactive instead of active.

Can I log out of Facebook on all my devices at once?

Yes. Go to Settings, then "Security and login" or "Where you're logged in". At the bottom of the list, click "Log out of all sessions". This will end your session on every device and browser where you're currently logged in, including your current one.

What if I log out and forget my password?

You can still get back in. On the Facebook login page, click "Forgot password?" Enter your email address or phone number. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link and create a new password. You don't need to remember your old password to log back in.

Is logging out the same as turning off notifications?

No. Turning off notifications stops Facebook from sending you alerts, but you remain logged in and Facebook continues tracking your activity. Logging out ends your session entirely. If you want to stay logged in but stop getting notifications, adjust your notification settings instead.