The fastest way to log out of Facebook
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down to the very bottom of that menu and tap Log Out. The app will close you out when ready, and you will need to enter your password the next time you open it.
On an iPhone, the menu icon is at the bottom right. On Android phones, it may be at the bottom right or top right depending on your phone model and which version of the app you have. If you do not see the three lines, look for a circle with your profile picture inside it — tapping that also opens the menu where you can find Log Out.
The entire process takes about 10 seconds. You do not need to delete the app or clear your phone's cache. straightforward logging out removes your active session from that device.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom or top of the Facebook app, scroll to the bottom, and tap Log Out.
- Logging out on one device does not log you out on other devices — you must log out of each phone, tablet, or computer separately.
- If you cannot find the Log Out button, check your app version in your phone's app store, as older versions have different menu layouts.
- Logging out is different from deactivating your account; logging out straightforward ends your session, while deactivating hides your profile.
Why you might want to log out instead of just closing the app
Closing the Facebook app does not log you out. The app stays logged in even after you close it, which means anyone who picks up your phone can open Facebook and see your messages, photos, and personal information without entering a password. If you share your phone with family members or use a device in a public place, logging out adds a real layer of protection.
Logging out is also useful if you are selling or giving away your phone. A factory reset does not always remove app login sessions, so logging out first ensures the next owner cannot access your account through the app.
What happens after you log out
Once you tap Log Out, the app clears your login session on that specific device. The next time you open the Facebook app, you will see the login screen asking for your email or phone number and password. You will need to enter both to get back in.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on (a security feature that sends a code to your phone or email when someone tries to log in), you will also need to enter that code. This extra step is why logging out can actually protect you — it means someone cannot access your account just by opening the app on your phone.
Logging out on multiple devices
If you use Facebook on more than one device — say, your phone and a tablet — you must log out of each one separately. Logging out of the app on your phone does not log you out of the app on your tablet or from Facebook on a web browser.
To see all the devices and browsers where you are currently logged in, open Facebook on a computer, go to Settings, click Security and Login, and look for the section called Where You're Logged In. From there you can log out of any device remotely without having to touch that device. This is helpful if you have lost a phone or want to end a session you no longer recognize.
If the Log Out button is not where you expect it
Facebook updates its app regularly, and the menu layout sometimes changes. If you cannot find the Log Out option in the three-line menu, try these steps: tap your profile picture (usually at the bottom right), scroll all the way down, and look for Settings or Account. From Settings, you should find a Log Out option.
If you still cannot find it, check whether your app needs an update. Open your phone's app store (Google Play on Android, the App Store on iPhone), search for Facebook, and see if an Update button appears. Older versions of the app sometimes have different menu structures. Updating usually fixes the problem.
As a last resort, you can uninstall the app and reinstall it fresh from the app store. This logs you out automatically because the new installation has no saved login session. You will need your password to log back in.
The difference between logging out and deactivating your account
Logging out and deactivating are two completely different actions. Logging out straightforward ends your session on that app — your account still exists and is fully active. Deactivating your account temporarily hides your profile, messages, and photos from other people, but Facebook keeps all your information and you can reactivate anytime by logging back in.
If you want to permanently delete your account rather than just log out or deactivate, that is a separate process that takes 30 days to complete. For now, if you just want to prevent someone from accessing your account on a shared device, logging out is the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my messages or photos?
No. Logging out only ends your session on that device. All your messages, photos, and account information stay on Facebook's servers. When you log back in with your password, everything will be exactly as you left it.
Can I log out of Facebook without opening the app?
Yes. On a computer, go to Facebook.com, click the down arrow at the top right, and select Log Out. You can also log out of all devices at once from Settings > Security and Login > Where You're Logged In by clicking Log Out next to each device. You do not need the app open to do this.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log back in?
Go to facebook.com on a computer or web browser and click Forgot Password on the login screen. Facebook will send a reset link to the email or phone number connected to your account. Follow the link to create a new password, then use it to log in on the app.
Does logging out on my phone log me out on Facebook Messenger?
No. Facebook Messenger is a separate app with its own login. You must log out of Messenger separately by opening the app, tapping your profile picture, scrolling down, and tapping Log Out. Logging out of one app does not affect the other.
Is it safer to log out every time I close the app?
It depends on who has access to your phone. If you live alone and trust everyone in your household, logging out every time is probably unnecessary. If you share your phone, use public devices, or are concerned about someone accessing your account, logging out each time adds real protection.