Log out of Facebook on a computer or phone
To log out of Facebook, click the downward arrow or menu icon in the top right corner of any Facebook page, then select "Log out" from the dropdown menu. On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down, and tap "Log Out". The process takes about five seconds and immediately ends your session.
After you log out, Facebook will no longer show your name or activity on shared computers. Anyone else using that device will need their own login to see their account. If you forget to log out on a public computer, you can still secure your account from another device by going to Settings and checking "Where You're Logged In".
Key Takeaways
- On a computer, click the menu arrow in the top right corner and select "Log Out" from the dropdown.
- On a phone or tablet, tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom right, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Log Out".
- Logging out immediately ends your session and prevents others from seeing your account on that device.
- If you forget to log out on a shared device, you can remotely end that session from Settings on another device.
- Logging out is different from deactivating your account — logging out just ends your current session.
Log out on Facebook's website
On a desktop or laptop, open Facebook in your web browser and look for the menu icon in the top right corner — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow or a circle with your profile picture. Click it once. A dropdown menu will appear with several options including "Log Out" near the bottom. Click "Log Out" and you will be taken to the Facebook login page.
If you use Facebook in a web browser on a tablet, the steps are the same as a computer. The menu icon is still in the top right corner. After you click "Log Out", Facebook will clear your login information from that browser.
Log out on the Facebook mobile app
Open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of your screen. This opens the main menu. Scroll all the way to the bottom of this menu — you may need to swipe up to see more options. At the very bottom, you will see "Log Out". Tap it, and the app will log you out immediately.
After you log out of the app, you will see the Facebook login screen the next time you open it. You will need to enter your email or phone number and password to log back in. The app will remain on your phone, but no one can access your account without your login information.
End a session on a device you do not have access to
If you logged into Facebook on a computer or phone you no longer have, or on a shared device you cannot reach, you can end that session remotely. Go to Settings on any device where you are currently logged in. Click "Security and Login" on the left side. Under "Where You're Logged In", you will see a list of all devices and browsers currently using your account.
Find the device you want to log out from and click the three dots next to it. Select "Log Out" from the menu. Facebook will immediately end that session. The person using that device will be logged out the next time they try to use Facebook. This is useful if you left yourself logged in at a friend's house or on a work computer.
The difference between logging out and other account actions
Logging out ends your current session but keeps your account active. When you log out, your profile, messages, and photos remain on Facebook — they are just not visible on that particular device until you log back in. Logging out does not delete anything or change your account settings.
Deactivating your account is different. When you deactivate, your profile becomes hidden from other people, but Facebook keeps your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in. Deleting your account is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes all your information and you cannot get it back. For most situations, logging out is all you need.
Why you should log out on shared computers
If you use Facebook on a computer at work, at a library, at a friend's house, or anywhere else that other people can access, logging out protects your account. When you stay logged in, anyone who uses that computer after you can see your messages, post as you, change your password, or access your personal information. Logging out takes five seconds and prevents all of these problems.
On your own personal computer or phone, logging out is less critical, but it is still a good habit. If your device is stolen or lost, logging out remotely from another device will prevent a thief from accessing your account. The "Where You're Logged In" feature in Settings makes this easy to do.
Troubleshooting: When the log out button does not appear
If you cannot find the log out option, make sure you are looking in the right place. On a computer, the menu icon is always in the top right corner of the Facebook page — it may look like a downward arrow, a circle, or three dots depending on which version of Facebook you are using. On a phone, the menu icon is at the bottom right, not the top.
If the menu opens but you still do not see "Log Out", try scrolling down within the menu. On phones especially, you may need to swipe up to see options at the bottom. If Facebook is not responding or the app is frozen, close it completely and open it again. If you are still stuck, try logging out through a web browser instead of the app, or vice versa.
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. When you log back in from any device, everything will be there exactly as you left it.
What happens if I close the Facebook app without logging out?
Closing the app does not log you out. You will still be logged in the next time you open it. To actually log out, you must tap the menu and select "Log Out". Simply closing the app leaves your session active.
Can I log out of Facebook on all my devices at once?
No, there is no single button to log out everywhere. You must log out on each device individually, or use the "Where You're Logged In" feature in Settings to end sessions remotely. Go to Settings, click "Security and Login", and log out from each device listed.
Will logging out stop Facebook from tracking me?
Logging out stops Facebook from tracking your activity within the app or website. However, Facebook may still track your activity on other websites through its tracking pixels and cookies. Logging out is about ending your session, not about privacy settings across the internet.
How do I log out if I forgot my password?
If you are currently logged in, you can log out without knowing your password — just use the log out button as normal. If you are locked out of your account and cannot log in, you will need to reset your password first using the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.