Facebook is a great platform to connect to friends or expand your business. However, new studies show it can also lead to depression.
Fortunately, stepping away and staying safe without losing everything isn’t difficult.
If you’re planning to take a hiatus on social media, you need to learn how to temporarily deactivate Facebook. It’s simple enough, but if you lack the savviness in social media, you can always get Facebook experts to assist with the process.
Need help learning how to deactivate your Facebook account? Read on and find out more:
What’s the Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting a Facebook Account?
A lot of people mistake account deactivation with account deletion. These are entirely different processes since the latter is more serious compared to the former. Their only similarity is that they’ll both get your Facebook account offline.
Here are the differences between deactivating and deleting your account:
Facebook Account Deactivation
If you deactivate, you can always reactivate it at your leisure. In the meantime, people can’t search for you or see your timeline. But some information related to you will still be visible, such as the messages you sent to other people.
In case you reactivate, Facebook will have a backup of your account information. That means some information like your friends and interests will remain.
Facebook Account Deletion
Deleting your Facebook account means that the platform will hold on to your account after you request deletion. The platform cancels your deletion request if you log in within this period. In most cases, it’s within a few days after you delete your account.
Once the grace period passes, you won’t regain access to your Facebook account. But your stored data will stay up to 90 days in their backup system. The good news is that Facebook can’t access them.
Information like your sent messages will remain active since it isn’t stored in your account. Your log records can remain in Facebook’s database. The good news is that the company claims that such information becomes disassociated from your identifiers.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Facebook
Did you know that about 30% of people who use social media spend more than 15 hours online each week? Studies found that it contributes to your inability to enjoy real life. If you want to take a break from Facebook and other social media, here’s how to temporarily deactivate Facebook:
Look at the top right portion of your Facebook page. This is the same regardless of the browser and device you’re using. Look at the down arrow and click it since it opens the account menu.
When you get there, pick the “Settings” option. Once you’re there, go to the “General” page and choose “Manage Account.” You’ll see a lot of different options under this section, but skip to the very bottom since it’s where you’ll see the header for “Deactivate Your Account.”
As soon as you click the “Deactivate Your Account” option, Facebook will ask for your password. Before you can complete the process, Facebook will ask you for a reason for your deactivation. Select the most appropriate option before you finish confirming your temporary deactivation.
Always remember that you can come back at any time.
How to Restore Your Facebook Account
The best part about Facebook is that the account restoration process is simple. All you need to do is to go log back into Facebook using your username and password. An alternative is to go to a third-party app or website and use your Facebook credentials to log in.
Whatever the case, Facebook will send a verification code in your email address or mobile device. It’s to ensure that you’re the one logging in using your account. Make sure that your account’s listed email address and mobile number is up to date.
How to Delete Your Facebook Account From a Desktop Browser
Before you start with the deletion process, make sure that it’s something you’re set on doing. Once you’re set on abandoning the platform for good, go to the “Settings” and select “Your Facebook Information.”
Choose “Deactivation and Deletion” and pick the second option. As soon as you click on the button that says “Continue to Account Deletion,” you’re taken to the Deletion page. This screen will give you options before you complete the process.
On this screen, you have the option to switch to Facebook Deactivation instead. It will remind you that deleting your Facebook account also means deleting your Messenger and all your messages. It gives you one last reminder before you continue with the deletion.
You also have the option to download your Facebook information. It also lists the number of photos, posts, and other information stored within your account. It’s always great to make backups of your Facebook info, so click on the “Download Info” button first.
Once you’re ready to proceed, click on “Delete Account”. This will finish the entire process and remove your Facebook account as soon as the grace period ends.
How to Delete Your Facebook Account from the Mobile App
Using your mobile app to delete Facebook is similar to the browser process. You also have the option of downloading all your data. But if you’re a long-time user, you should do it on a computer since you’ll have a lot of information.
The only difference is that you should tap the three vertical lines located on the top right corner of your mobile screen. Look at the “Privacy and Settings” section and select “Settings.” From there, you’ll see “Account Ownership and Control”.
As soon as you tap that option, everything will be the same. Finish up the process and you’re done.
Get More Facebook Help Today!
If you want to know how to temporarily deactivate Facebook, this is the guide for you. It’s okay to take a break from social media sometimes, and this option serves that purpose. Don’t hesitate to take a step back and enjoy what the real world has to offer.
Do you need expert assistance? Take time to read our other guides today, like this one discussing what to do when Facebook isn’t working.