You may delete your Messenger account by going to Settings > Account Ownership & Control > Deactivate Account > Confirm Deactivation > Password > Reason for Deactivation > Delete Account.
However, this will also delete your Facebook account. Turning off the active status or removing the Messenger app are also options for those who wish to continue using the Facebook app without Messenger.
Deactivate Messenger app on smartphones
For Android:
- Open the Messenger app on your Android device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Scroll down and tap on “Legal and Policies.”
- Tap on “Deactivate Messenger.”
- Enter your password and tap on “Continue.”
- Select a reason for deactivating your account and tap on “Deactivate.”
For iOS:
- Open the Messenger app on your iOS device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Scroll down and tap on “Legal and Policies.”
- Tap on “Deactivate Messenger.“
- Enter your password and tap on “Continue.“
- Select a reason for deactivating your account and tap on “Deactivate.“
Once you have completed these steps, your Messenger account will be deactivated, and you will no longer receive messages or notifications from Messenger. Your profile and conversations will be hidden from other users, but they will be restored if you log back into Messenger again.
Turn off active status
You can conceal your active status in Messenger if you don’t want to terminate your Facebook account.
You may accomplish this in one of two ways: using Facebook in a web browser or using the Facebook mobile app.
Turn off active status on smartphone app
The steps to turn off your active status on a smartphone app may vary depending on the specific app you are using. However, here are some general instructions that may help you:
- Open the app and log in to your account.
- Go to your profile or settings page within the app.
- Look for an option that says “Active status” or “Online status.”
- Turn off the toggle or switch for the active status option.
- Save your changes or confirm the action if prompted.
If you cannot find the option to turn off your active status within the app, you may need to consult the app’s help documentation or contact their support team for further assistance.
Turn off Messenger’s active status on web-browser
To turn off your active status on Messenger while using a web browser, you can follow these steps:
- Open Messenger in your web browser and log in to your account.
- Click on your profile picture or the gear icon located at the top left of the Messenger window.
- Select “Active Status” from the menu.
- Click the toggle switch next to “Show when you’re active” to turn off your active status.
- If prompted, choose to “Turn Off” your active status for all contacts or select “Turn off active status for all contacts except…” and choose the contacts you’d like to stay visible to.
- Click “Okay” to save your changes.
Uninstall the messenger app
To uninstall the Messenger app, you can follow these steps:
- Find the Messenger app on your smartphone’s home screen or app drawer.
- Press and hold the Messenger app icon until a menu appears.
- Select “Uninstall” or “Delete” from the menu.
- If prompted, confirm that you want to uninstall the app by tapping “OK” or “Uninstall.“
The exact steps to uninstall the Messenger app may vary depending on the type of smartphone you have or the version of the Messenger app you are using. If you are having difficulty uninstalling the app, you may need to consult your smartphone’s user manual or contact their customer support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deactivating Messenger?
Deactivating Messenger is a way to temporarily disable your Messenger account, which will hide your profile, messages, and other Messenger-related activity.
Can I still use Facebook if I deactivate Messenger?
Yes, deactivating Messenger does not deactivate your Facebook account. You will still be able to use Facebook and other Facebook-related services.
Can I reactivate my Messenger account after deactivating it?
Yes, you can reactivate your Messenger account by simply logging back in to the app with your Facebook account.
Will my Messenger messages be deleted if I deactivate my account?
No, your Messenger messages will not be deleted if you deactivate your account. They will be stored and available when you reactivate your account. However, if you delete your account, your Messenger messages will be permanently deleted.
Will my Messenger contacts be notified if I deactivate my account?
No, your Messenger contacts will not be notified if you deactivate your account. However, they will no longer be able to message or interact with you on Messenger while your account is deactivated.
How long does it take to deactivate my Messenger account?
Your Messenger account will be deactivated immediately after you confirm the deactivation. However, it may take up to 90 days for your Messenger data to be fully deleted from Facebook’s servers.