How to Deactivate Facebook
Deactivating Facebook is no longer just a personal decision—it’s a strategic move for many business owners, marketers, and professionals in Australia. You may have already noticed that social media can be both a powerful tool and a major distraction. At times, you prioritise engagement and growth, but other times, you recognise the need to protect your time, privacy, and focus. If you’ve been thinking about stepping back, you’re not alone. Many professionals are deactivating Facebook to reclaim control over their digital presence, improve productivity, and enhance data privacy.
Before making the decision, it’s important to understand what deactivating Facebook means, how to do it properly, and what alternatives can keep your business thriving without it. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to deactivating Facebook, followed by a strategic discussion on how to shift your marketing efforts for continued success.
How to Deactivate Facebook (Step-by-Step Guide)
Deactivate Facebook On a Mac or PC
- Log into Facebook
- Open Facebook in a web browser and sign in.
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select ‘Settings & Privacy’ > ‘Settings’.
- Find the ‘Deactivation & Deletion’ Option
- Navigate to ‘Your Facebook Information’.
- Click on ‘Deactivation and Deletion’.
- Select ‘Deactivate Account’
- Choose ‘Deactivate Account’ and click ‘Continue to Account Deactivation’.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm your choice.
- Enter Your Password & Confirm
- Facebook will ask for your password to finalise deactivation.
- You may also be given options to reactivate later.
Deactivate Facebook On iPhone or iPad (iOS)
- Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu (bottom right corner).
- Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
- Tap Access and Control under Your Facebook Information.
- Select Deactivation and Deletion.
- Tap Deactivate Account, then Continue to Account Deactivation.
- Follow the prompts, enter your password, and confirm deactivation.
Deactivate Facebook On Android
- Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then select Settings.
- Under Your Facebook Information, tap Access and Control.
- Select Deactivation and Deletion.
- Tap Deactivate Account and then Continue to Account Deactivation.
- Follow the instructions, enter your password, and confirm deactivation.
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Why More Australian Professionals Are Deactivating Facebook
1. Privacy Concerns & Data Control
Facebook has been at the centre of multiple privacy debates. Professionals handling sensitive business or client data are increasingly aware of how much personal information is collected, stored, and potentially shared. Deactivating Facebook is a proactive step to regain control over digital privacy and minimise the risk of data breaches.
When you deactivate Facebook, your personal and business information is no longer publicly accessible, but keep in mind that Facebook retains some data in case you reactivate. If privacy is a top concern, consider downloading and deleting your data before deactivation.
2. Increased Productivity & Focus
You’ve likely noticed how Facebook can become a major distraction, pulling you into endless scrolling, unnecessary debates, and irrelevant notifications. While engagement is critical for business growth, excessive social media use can erode focus and productivity. Many Australian entrepreneurs, executives, and marketers are stepping away to prioritise deep work and strategic decision-making.
By deactivating Facebook, you eliminate a source of distraction, allowing you to redirect energy towards high-impact activities—whether it’s refining your business strategy, scaling marketing efforts, or investing in personal development.
3. The Changing Social Media Landscape
Facebook is no longer the primary platform for many industries. As advertising costs rise and organic reach declines, professionals are shifting to alternative platforms such as LinkedIn for B2B networking, Instagram and TikTok for brand visibility, and Google Ads for lead generation.
If you depend on Facebook for business, it’s time to explore other platforms that align better with your audience and marketing objectives. Deactivation doesn’t mean disappearing—it means adapting.
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Professional Consequences of Deactivating Facebook for Marketers
1. Loss of Client Trust & Credibility
If you’re a social media or digital marketer, deactivating Facebook could send the wrong signal to clients who expect you to be actively engaged in the platforms you manage. Clients pay you for expertise, insights, and the ability to execute strategies on Facebook. Without a presence, you may appear disconnected from the latest trends and platform changes, reducing your credibility.
2. Missed Business & Career Opportunities
Many marketers generate leads, build personal brands, and attract business opportunities through Facebook networking, groups, and ads. Deactivating could limit your ability to connect with industry peers, potential clients, and employers. Instead of deactivating, consider reducing your personal usage while maintaining a professional presence.
3. Impact on Advertising & Performance Metrics
If your role involves managing Facebook Ads, deactivating could make campaign management difficult. Facebook Business Manager requires active user accounts to administer ad accounts, pages, and client assets. Deactivation may cause disruptions in ad performance, data tracking, and reporting accuracy.
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What Happens When You Deactivate Facebook?
- Your profile becomes invisible – No one can see your timeline or posts.
- Your messages remain – Conversations you had with others still exist.
- You can reactivate anytime – Just log back in to restore your account.
- Third-party logins may stop working – If you use Facebook to log into other apps (e.g., Spotify, Airbnb), you may need to set up alternative logins.
How do I temporarily deactivate my Facebook account?
Temporarily deactivating your Facebook account is a straightforward process that allows you to step away from the platform while retaining the option to return. To deactivate, navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Deactivation and Deletion and select Deactivate Account. Follow the prompts to confirm your decision. While deactivated, your profile becomes invisible, but your messages and interactions in groups may still be visible to others. You can reactivate your account anytime by simply logging back in.
For professionals, particularly marketers, deactivation means losing access to Facebook Business Manager, ad accounts, and client pages. This could impact campaign performance, data tracking, and overall business management. If you use Facebook for professional purposes, consider maintaining a minimal presence instead of deactivating it. Set up alternative communication channels such as LinkedIn or email marketing to stay connected with your audience while limiting distractions.
How do I deactivate my Facebook on my iPhone?
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, deactivating your Facebook account is simple through the Facebook app. Open the app and tap the three-line menu at the bottom right, then navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings. Under Your Facebook Information, select Access and Control, then tap Deactivation and Deletion. Choose Deactivate Account, follow the prompts, enter your password, and confirm. This will log you out, and your profile will be hidden from others.
For digital marketers, deactivating Facebook on a mobile device could mean losing access to Facebook Pages, Ads Manager, and Messenger on the go. If you manage campaigns, it’s crucial to ensure a team member has admin rights before deactivation. Instead of fully deactivating, consider using Screen Time controls to limit app usage while maintaining professional accessibility.
What happens when a Facebook profile is deactivated?
When a Facebook profile is deactivated, it becomes invisible to the public. Your name disappears from most places on Facebook, including search results and friend lists. However, messages sent to others will remain in their inboxes, and group interactions may still display your name. If you use Messenger, it stays active unless you deactivate it separately. Additionally, third-party logins using Facebook credentials may stop working.
For marketers, deactivation can cause significant disruptions. If you’re running Facebook Ads, managing client pages, or moderating groups, these functions will become inaccessible. Facebook Business Manager requires an active account to operate, so deactivating could mean losing the ability to oversee paid campaigns and track performance. Before deactivating, marketers should delegate admin access to another team member or transition their workflow to alternative platforms like LinkedIn or Google Ads.
Which is better, deactivate or delete?
Deciding between deactivating and deleting Facebook depends on your long-term goals. Deactivation is temporary, allowing you to return whenever needed. It’s ideal for professionals who need a break without permanently losing their profile, connections, or data. You can log back in anytime to restore your account. In contrast, deletion is irreversible—once deleted, your account, posts, and media are permanently erased, and recovery is impossible. Deletion may take up to 90 days to process.
For business owners and marketers, deleting Facebook may have significant downsides. Losing access to Facebook Ads, Business Pages, and client interactions can disrupt revenue and marketing operations. If you rely on Facebook for lead generation or brand visibility, it’s advisable to deactivate rather than delete. Instead, consider shifting marketing efforts to other digital platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, or Google Ads, ensuring your audience engagement remains strong.
How to Lock Facebook Profile For Privacy? Read This.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Digital Strategy
Whether you choose to deactivate or permanently delete Facebook, the key takeaway is taking control of your digital presence. More Australian professionals are recognising that social media should serve their business and lifestyle goals—not dictate them. However, for marketers, maintaining a professional Facebook presence remains crucial for credibility, client trust, and business opportunities.
Now that you understand the steps and strategies, the next move is yours. Are you ready to deactivate Facebook and explore smarter, more effective digital marketing channels?
About the Author
Crom Salvatera is a digital marketing and mindset mentor, helping businesses unlock their full potential through innovative strategies and transformational growth.
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