The quickest way to log off Facebook

To log out of Facebook, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) at the bottom right of the app on your phone, scroll down to "Log Out", and tap it. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then click "Log Out" from the dropdown menu. Either way takes about five seconds and immediately ends your session.

The difference between logging out and just closing the app matters: closing the app leaves you logged in, so anyone who picks up your phone can open Facebook and see your messages, photos, and posts. Logging out removes that access. If you share a device with family members or use a public computer, logging out is the step that actually protects your account.

Key Takeaways

  • On your phone, use the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right of the Facebook app, scroll to "Log Out", and tap it.
  • On a computer, click the arrow icon in the top right corner and select "Log Out" from the menu.
  • Logging out is different from closing the app — closing the app leaves you logged in if someone else picks up your device.
  • If you cannot find the logout button, you may be using Facebook through a web browser instead of the app, which has a slightly different menu layout.

Logging out on an iPhone or Android phone

Open the Facebook app and look at the bottom of your screen. You should see five icons in a row: Home, Friends, Videos, Menu (three lines), and your profile picture. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) on the far right.

Scroll down through the menu until you see "Log Out" near the bottom. It usually appears below Settings and Privacy. Tap "Log Out" and Facebook will immediately end your session. The next time you open the app, you will see the login screen instead of your feed.

If you do not see a Menu icon with three lines, you may be using an older version of the Facebook app. Update it through your phone's app store (Apple App Store for iPhone, Google Play Store for Android) and the menu layout will match these instructions.

Logging out on a Windows or Mac computer

Go to Facebook.com in your web browser and look at the top right corner of the page. You will see a small downward-pointing arrow (sometimes called a caret) next to your profile picture or name. Click that arrow.

A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Click "Log Out" at the bottom of that menu. Facebook will end your session immediately, and the next time you visit Facebook.com, you will see the login page instead of your feed.

If you are using Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, the logout button is in the same place: tap the arrow in the top right corner and select "Log Out".

Why logging out matters on shared devices

When you log out, Facebook removes the connection between your account and that device. If someone else uses the computer or phone afterward, they cannot access your messages, see your friend list, or post as you without entering your password again.

If you only close the app or close the browser tab without logging out, your account stays active on that device. Anyone who opens Facebook will land directly in your account. This is especially important if you use a family computer, a work computer, or a friend's phone.

The same protection applies in reverse: if you are using someone else's device, always log out when you are done so your account is not left open for them or anyone else who uses that device later.

What happens after you log out

Once you log out, Facebook stops sending notifications to that device. You will not see message alerts, friend requests, or post comments until you log back in. If you want to stay reachable, you can adjust notification settings before you log out, but logging out itself silences all notifications from that device.

Your account itself is not affected. Your photos, messages, and posts remain on Facebook's servers. Logging out only disconnects that specific device from your account. You can log back in anytime by entering your email address (or phone number) and password.

If you cannot find the logout button

On the Facebook app, the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) should always be at the bottom right of your screen. If you see a different layout, your app may need an update. Go to your phone's app store and search for "Facebook" — if an "Update" button appears, tap it to install the latest version.

On a computer, if you do not see a downward arrow in the top right corner, you may be logged out already. Try refreshing the page. If you still do not see it, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then visit Facebook.com again. Instructions for clearing cache vary by browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge), so search for "[your browser name] clear cache" if you need help.

If you are still stuck, you can also log out by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login, then scroll down to "Where You're Logged In" and click "Log Out" next to the device you want to disconnect.

Logging out versus deactivating your account

Logging out and deactivating are two completely different actions. Logging out simply disconnects you from that device — your account stays active and visible to your friends. Deactivating temporarily hides your profile from Facebook, though Facebook keeps all your data and you can reactivate anytime.

If you only want to step away from Facebook for a while without letting people see your profile, deactivation is the right choice. If you want to protect your account on a shared device, logging out is what you need. Most people log out dozens of times without ever deactivating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does logging out delete my messages or photos?

No. Logging out only disconnects that device from your account. All your messages, photos, posts, and friends list stay on Facebook's servers. When you log back in, everything will be exactly as you left it.

Will I still get Facebook notifications after I log out?

No. Once you log out, that device will not receive any Facebook notifications — no message alerts, friend requests, or post comments. You will only see notifications again after you log back in on that device.

Can someone log back into my account if I just close the app?

Yes. Closing the app without logging out leaves your account active on that device. Anyone who opens the Facebook app will go straight into your account without needing a password. Always tap "Log Out" if you are using a shared device.

What if I forget my password after logging out?

You can reset it on the Facebook login page. Click "Forgotten Password?" and Facebook will send a reset link to your email address or phone number. Follow the link to create a new password, then log in normally.

Is logging out the same as logging in somewhere else?

No. Logging out ends your session on one device. Logging in somewhere else starts a new session on a different device. You can be logged in on multiple devices at the same time — your phone, computer, and tablet can all have active Facebook sessions.