The fastest way to log out depends on what device you're using
Logging out of Facebook means ending your session so that the next person who picks up your phone, tablet, or computer cannot access your account without your password. 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 using the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right, scroll down to "Log Out", and tap it. If you're using Facebook in a web browser on your phone instead of the app, use the same computer steps — tap the menu icon and look for "Log Out".
The difference matters because logging out is not the same as closing the app or closing your browser tab. Closing the app or tab just hides Facebook from view — you stay logged in behind the scenes. The next time someone opens Facebook on that device, your account will still be active and ready to use. Logging out actually disconnects your account from that device, so a password is required to get back in.
Key Takeaways
- On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select "Log Out" from the dropdown menu.
- On a phone or tablet app, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, scroll to "Log Out", and tap it.
- Closing the app or browser tab does not log you out — you must select "Log Out" to actually end your session.
- Logging out is especially important on shared devices, public computers, or before you hand your phone to someone else.
Why you should log out on shared devices
If you share a computer, tablet, or phone with family members, roommates, or coworkers, logging out protects your account from being used by someone else without your knowledge. When you stay logged in, anyone who picks up that device can see your messages, photos, friend list, and any personal information you have posted. They can also send messages or post content as you, which can damage your reputation or relationships.
Logging out is especially important before you hand your device to someone else, even briefly. A quick logout takes five seconds and prevents someone from accidentally — or intentionally — accessing your account. This is one of the simplest ways to keep your account find without needing to change your password or enable extra security features.
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 on it to open a dropdown menu. The menu will show several options, including "Settings & Privacy", "Settings", and "Log Out". Click "Log Out" at the bottom of the menu.
After you click "Log Out", Facebook will disconnect your account from that computer. If you try to visit Facebook again, you will see the login page instead of your account. You will need to enter your email address (or phone number) and password to log back in. This confirms that you have successfully logged out.
Logging out on an iPhone or Android phone
Open the Facebook app and look at the bottom right corner of your screen. You will see a menu icon — three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. Tap this icon to open the menu. Scroll down through the list of options until you see "Log Out" near the bottom. Tap "Log Out" and Facebook will ask you to confirm. Tap "Log Out" again to finish.
If you are using Facebook in a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the same steps as a computer: tap the menu icon (usually three lines or dots in the top right), then tap "Log Out". Either method will end your session on that phone.
What happens after you log out
Once you log out, your account is no longer active on that device. If someone else uses the device, they will see the Facebook login page, not your account. They cannot see your messages, photos, or personal information unless they know your password and log in as you — which would be unauthorized access to your account.
Your account itself is not deleted or changed. Your photos, messages, and friends list remain exactly as they were. The next time you log back in on any device, everything will be there. Logging out straightforward disconnects that particular device from your account until you sign in again.
Logging out of all devices at once
If you want to log out of Facebook on every device where you are currently logged in — not just the one you are using right now — you can do that through your settings. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right, select "Settings & Privacy", then "Settings". On the left side, click "Security and Login". Scroll down to "Where You're Logged In" and you will see a list of all devices currently connected to your account, including their location and the last time they were used.
Next to each device, click "Log Out". You can log out of all devices at once by clicking "Log Out of All Sessions" at the bottom of the list. This is useful if you think someone else may have access to your account, or if you have lost a phone or tablet and want to make sure no one can use your Facebook account on that missing device. After you log out of all sessions, you will need to log back in on your current device using your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my Facebook account?
No. Logging out only disconnects your account from that device. Your account, photos, messages, and friends list remain unchanged. You can log back in anytime with your password and everything will be there.
What if I forget to log out on a public computer?
If you realize later that you forgot to log out at a library, internet café, or school computer, go to your settings on any other device and use "Log Out of All Sessions" to disconnect from every device at once. Then log back in on your personal device. This prevents anyone at the public computer from accessing your account.
Can someone log into my account if I don't log out?
Not without your password. If you stay logged in on a device, someone who physically picks up that device can use your account without needing your password. But they cannot log in from a different device without knowing your password.
Is logging out the same as deactivating my account?
No. Logging out ends your session on one device. Deactivating your account temporarily hides your entire profile from Facebook. Logging out is what you do before handing your phone to someone else; deactivating is a much bigger step that affects your whole account.
Why does Facebook stay logged in even after I close the app?
Facebook is designed to keep you logged in for convenience — so you do not have to enter your password every time you open the app. This is why closing the app does not log you out. You must select "Log Out" from the menu to actually end your session.