The simplest way to log out of Facebook
To log out of Facebook, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on mobile, or the downward arrow in the top right on a computer. Scroll down and select "Log Out". Facebook will end your session when ready, and you will need to enter your password again to log back in.
The exact location of this menu changes slightly depending on whether you are using the Facebook app, the mobile website, or a computer browser. But the principle is the same: find the menu tied to your account, then select the logout option from that menu.
If you have multiple Facebook accounts on the same device, logging out of one does not automatically log out the others. You will need to repeat this process for each account separately.
Key Takeaways
- On mobile apps and websites, the account menu is usually a three-line icon or a downward arrow in a corner of the screen.
- Logging out ends your current session but does not delete your account, messages, or any of your data.
- If you forget to log out on a shared device, anyone with access to that device can see your messages and posts until the session expires on its own.
- Logging out is different from deactivating or deleting your account, which are permanent or semi-permanent actions.
Logging out on Facebook's mobile app
Open the Facebook app and look for the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the bottom right corner of your screen. Tap it to open your account menu.
Scroll down to the very bottom of that menu. You will see "Log Out" as the last option. Tap it, and Facebook will when ready log you out. The app will return you to the login screen, where you can enter a different account or close the app entirely.
On some older versions of the Facebook app, the menu icon may be in a different location, but scrolling to the bottom of any account menu will always show the logout option.
Logging out on Facebook's website from a computer
Go to Facebook.com in your browser. In the top right corner, you will see a downward-pointing arrow or a circle with your profile picture. Click it to open a dropdown menu.
Near the bottom of that menu, you will see "Log Out". Click it, and your session will end. Your browser will return to the Facebook login page.
If you are using a shared computer, logging out is especially important. Without logging out, the next person who opens your browser can access your account, read your messages, and post as you.
Logging out on the Facebook mobile website
If you are using Facebook through a mobile browser (Safari, Chrome, or another app) rather than the official Facebook app, the process is slightly different. Scroll to the very bottom of the page and look for a menu icon or a settings link.
Tap the menu icon (usually three lines) and scroll down until you see "Log Out". Tap it to end your session. You will be returned to the login page.
The mobile website version of Facebook sometimes hides the logout option deeper in the menu than the app does, so if you do not see it when ready, keep scrolling down.
What happens when you log out
Logging out closes your current session on that specific device or browser. Your account remains active and unchanged. Your messages, photos, friends list, and all other data stay exactly as they were. No one can see your account from that device until someone logs back in with your password.
If you are logged into Facebook on multiple devices (your phone, tablet, and computer, for example), logging out on one device does not log you out on the others. You will need to log out separately on each device if you want to be logged out everywhere.
Logging out is also different from deactivating your account (which temporarily hides your profile but keeps your data) or deleting your account (which permanently removes your data after 30 days). Logout is straightforward ending your current session.
Why you might want to log out
Log out when you are using a shared device — a family computer, a library computer, or a friend's phone. This prevents the next person who uses that device from accessing your messages, photos, or personal information.
You might also log out if you suspect someone has access to your account or if you are changing your password. Logging out everywhere forces anyone using your old password to log back in, which can help you regain control if your account has been compromised.
Some people log out at the end of each day as a routine security habit, especially if they use public or shared devices regularly. Others only log out when they switch devices or leave a shared computer.
If you cannot find the logout option
If the menu icon is not where you expect it, try scrolling to the very bottom of the page or screen. On some versions of Facebook, the logout option appears only after you scroll past all other menu items.
If you are using an older browser or an outdated version of the Facebook app, the menu layout may be different. Try updating your app or browser to the latest version, which usually restores the standard menu layout.
If you still cannot log out, you can also end your session by closing the browser completely (on a computer) or force-closing the app (on a phone). This will not log you out permanently, but it will end your current session. The next time you open Facebook, you will need to log in again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my messages or photos?
No. Logging out only ends your current session. All your messages, photos, posts, and account data remain on Facebook's servers exactly as they were. When you log back in with your password, everything will be there.
If I log out on my phone, will I be logged out on my computer too?
No. Each device maintains its own separate session. You must log out on each device individually if you want to be logged out everywhere. You can see all your active sessions and log out remotely from your account settings on a computer.
What is the difference between logging out and deactivating my account?
Logging out ends your current session; your account stays active and visible to others. Deactivating temporarily hides your profile and stops notifications, but Facebook keeps your data. Deleting is permanent after 30 days. Logout is the simplest and most temporary action.
Can someone access my account if I forget to log out?
Yes, if they have physical access to the device you were using. They can see your messages, posts, and personal information until your session expires (which can take hours or days). Always log out on shared devices to prevent this.
How do I log out of Facebook on all my devices at once?
Go to your account settings on a computer, find "Security and Login", and look for "Where You're Logged In". You will see a list of all active sessions. Click "Log Out" next to any session to end it remotely without touching that device.