The fastest way to log out of Facebook

To log out of Facebook on a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any Facebook page, then select "Log out" from the menu that appears. On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to "Log out", and tap it. The process takes about five seconds either way.

After you log out, Facebook will no longer show your name, messages, or feed when someone uses that device. You will need to enter your email or phone number and password again the next time you want to use Facebook on that same device.

If you cannot find the logout button where this article describes it, Facebook may have updated its layout. The menu button location sometimes shifts between versions, but the logout option is always inside the account menu — never buried in settings.

Key Takeaways

  • On a computer, click the arrow icon in the top right corner and select "Log out" from the dropdown menu.
  • On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right, scroll to "Log out", and tap it.
  • Logging out removes your account from that device but does not delete your account or your messages.
  • If you use Facebook on multiple devices, you must log out of each one separately — logging out on your phone does not log you out on your computer.
  • You can also log out of all devices at once by going to Settings, then Security and Login, then clicking "Log out of all sessions".

Logging out on a Windows or Mac computer

Open Facebook in your web browser and look at the top right corner of the page. You will see a small downward-pointing arrow or your profile picture. Click it. A menu will drop down with several options, including "Log out" near the bottom. Click "Log out" and you will be signed out when ready.

If you do not see the arrow or profile picture in the top right, you may already be logged out. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache if the menu does not appear. Some older browser versions occasionally hide this button until you refresh.

Logging out on an iPhone or Android phone

Open the Facebook app and look at the bottom of the screen. You will see five icons in a row. Tap the three horizontal lines on the far right (this is the menu icon). Scroll down through the menu until you see "Log out" at the very bottom. Tap it once.

If you are using Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the computer instructions above — tap the three lines at the top right of the page instead of the bottom, then scroll down to find "Log out".

Logging out of all devices at once

If you use Facebook on multiple devices — a computer, a phone, and a tablet, for example — you can log out of all of them without visiting each device. On any device, go to Settings, then click "Security and Login" on the left side. Scroll down to "Where you are logged in" and you will see a list of all devices currently signed into your account.

Click "Log out" next to any device you want to sign out of, or click "Log out of all sessions" at the bottom to sign out everywhere at once. This is useful if you think someone else may have access to your account, or if you sold or gave away a device and forgot to log out first.

The difference between logging out and deactivating your account

Logging out and deactivating are two completely different things. When you log out, your account still exists and is still active — you just are not signed in on that device. When you deactivate your account, Facebook temporarily hides your profile, messages, and friends list from other people, though Facebook keeps your data in case you want to reactivate later.

Most people who want to take a break from Facebook should log out, not deactivate. Logging out is when ready and reversible — you can log back in anytime. Deactivation takes a few minutes to process and is meant for people who want to step away for weeks or months.

What happens after you log out

Once you log out, Facebook will not send you notifications on that device, and you will not see your feed or messages when you open Facebook. If someone else uses that device and opens Facebook, they will see a login screen asking for an email or phone number and password — they will not see your account.

Your account data — your messages, photos, friends list, and posts — remains on Facebook's servers and is not deleted. The next time you log in on any device, everything will be exactly as you left it. Logging out only removes your account from that specific device.

Troubleshooting when you cannot find the logout button

If the menu button or logout option is not where this article describes it, Facebook may have updated its interface. Try these steps: refresh the page, clear your browser's cache, or try logging out in a different browser. If you are using the Facebook app, try updating it to the latest version from your phone's app store.

If you still cannot log out, you can change your password instead. Go to Settings, click "Security and Login", then "Change Password". Enter your current password and a new password. This will log you out of all devices and require you to log back in with your new password on each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does logging out delete my messages or photos?

No. Logging out only removes your account from that device. All your messages, photos, posts, and account information remain on Facebook and will be there when you log back in.

If I log out on my phone, will I be logged out on my computer too?

No. Each device is separate. You must log out of Facebook on each device individually. Logging out on your phone does not affect your computer, tablet, or any other device.

Can I log out of Facebook without a password?

Yes. You can log out without entering your password — just click the menu and select "Log out". You will need your password when you log back in, but not to log out.

What should I do if I cannot remember my password after logging out?

Click "Forgot password?" on the Facebook login screen. Facebook will send a link to your email or phone number. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log back in.

Is logging out the same as closing the Facebook app?

No. Closing the app just closes the window, but you remain logged in. The next time you open the app, you will see your feed without entering your password. To fully log out, use the logout button in the menu.