The fastest way to log out of Facebook on iPhone
Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner, scroll to the bottom, and tap Log Out. That's it — you're signed out when ready. If you use Safari or Chrome to access Facebook instead of the app, swipe left from the left edge of the screen to open the menu, scroll down, and tap Log Out the same way.
After you log out, Facebook stops tracking your activity on that device until you sign back in. Your account itself stays active — nothing is deleted, and your photos, messages, and friends list remain on Facebook's servers. Logging out just disconnects your iPhone from your account.
If you're selling your iPhone, giving it to someone else, or letting another person use it regularly, logging out is the first step. But logging out alone doesn't remove the data Facebook already collected about you while you were logged in.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right of the Facebook app, scroll down, and tap Log Out to disconnect your account from your iPhone.
- Logging out stops Facebook from tracking your activity on that device going forward, but does not delete your account or the data Facebook already has about you.
- If you use Facebook in a web browser instead of the app, the logout process is the same — find the menu, scroll to the bottom, and tap Log Out.
- After you log out, you can delete the Facebook app from your iPhone to remove it completely, though this is separate from logging out.
Why you might want to log out of Facebook on your iPhone
You log out when you want to stop Facebook from collecting data about what you do on your phone. While you're logged in, Facebook tracks which apps you use, which websites you visit, how long you spend on them, and what you search for — even when you're not actively using Facebook. This tracking happens through something called the Pixel, a piece of code Facebook puts on websites and in apps.
Logging out also makes sense if you share your iPhone with someone else, if you're concerned about someone accessing your account without permission, or if you're taking a break from Facebook. It's also the right first step before you sell or give away your phone.
If you want to stop Facebook from tracking you entirely, logging out is necessary but not enough. You would also need to change your privacy settings on Facebook's website or delete your account altogether.
How to log out if you're using Facebook in a web browser
If you access Facebook through Safari, Chrome, or another browser instead of the app, the logout process is slightly different but just as quick. Open Facebook in your browser, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of the screen, scroll all the way down, and tap Log Out.
After you tap Log Out, you'll be returned to the Facebook login page. The next time you open that browser, you'll need to enter your email or phone number and password to get back in.
Some people prefer using Facebook in a browser rather than the app because they have more control over what data the app collects. However, Facebook still tracks your activity through the browser version — logging out is what stops that tracking.
What happens to your data after you log out
Logging out does not delete any of the information Facebook collected about you while you were logged in. Your photos, messages, friend list, posts, and activity history all stay on Facebook's servers. The data Facebook gathered about your browsing habits, app usage, and location also remains in your account.
If you want to see what data Facebook has about you, you can read a copy of your information by going to Settings on the Facebook website, selecting Your Information, and choosing read Your Information. This shows you the posts, photos, messages, and other content you created, but it does not show you the tracking data Facebook collected in the background.
If you want Facebook to stop collecting data about you going forward, logging out is the most practical step. If you want to delete your account entirely — which removes your profile, photos, and messages after 30 days — that's a separate process done through Facebook's settings on a computer or through the app's settings menu.
Logging out versus deleting the app
Logging out and deleting the app are two different things. When you log out, the app stays on your iPhone, but you're no longer signed in. When you delete the app, it's removed from your phone entirely, but your account stays active on Facebook's servers.
If you want to stop using Facebook on your iPhone, you should log out first, then delete the app. To delete the app, press and hold the Facebook icon on your home screen, tap Remove App, and confirm. If you later change your mind, you can read the app again from the App Store and log back in with your email and password.
Deleting the app does stop Facebook from collecting data through that app, but if you access Facebook through a web browser, Facebook can still track you. Logging out of the browser version stops that tracking.
If you can't find the Log Out button
If you're looking at an older version of the Facebook app, the menu might be in a different place. Try tapping the three dots (⋯) instead of the three lines, or look for a gear icon for Settings. Once you're in the menu, scroll all the way to the bottom — Log Out is always at the very end.
If you still can't find it, make sure you're actually logged in. If you see a login screen asking for your email and password, you're already logged out. You can also try closing the app completely (swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe the Facebook app up) and opening it again.
If the app is frozen or not responding, force-close it by swiping up from the bottom and swiping the app away, then open it again. This usually fixes minor glitches that prevent you from reaching the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my Facebook account?
No. Logging out only disconnects your iPhone from your account. Your account, photos, messages, and friends list all stay on Facebook. If you want to permanently delete your account, you have to do that through Facebook's settings on a computer or in the app's Account Settings menu.
Will Facebook stop tracking me after I log out?
Facebook will stop tracking your activity through the app or browser on that specific iPhone. However, Facebook still tracks you through other apps and websites that have the Facebook Pixel installed. To limit that tracking, you can change your privacy settings in Facebook's main settings menu.
Can someone else see my Facebook account if I don't log out?
Yes. If you leave your iPhone unlocked or hand it to someone, they can access your Facebook account and see your messages, photos, and personal information. Logging out prevents this. If you share your iPhone with someone you trust, you might not need to log out every time, but it's safer to do so.
What if I forget my password after I log out?
You can reset your password on the Facebook login screen by tapping Forgot Password? Facebook will send you a link to reset it through your email or phone number. You'll need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account.
Does logging out on my iPhone log me out on other devices?
No. Logging out on your iPhone only affects that device. You'll still be logged in on your computer, tablet, or other phones. If you want to log out everywhere at once, you can do that through Facebook's settings on a computer by selecting Where You're Logged In and choosing Log Out All Sessions.