Instant messaging applications have simplified the process of staying connected with others but the endless stream of alerts and continuous online availability creates overwhelming fatigue. People select to turn off Facebook Messenger because they require personal space and privacy as well as enhanced concentration. The task appears straightforward yet Messenger’s strong connection to Facebook accounts creates difficulties for users who want to disable one service while maintaining access to the other.
The guide provides step-by-step instructions for users to Deactivate Facebook Messenger on various devices while explaining how to turn it back on.
Can You Deactivate Messenger Without Facebook?
Messenger establishes a direct connection to your Facebook profile which makes it impossible to disable Messenger separately until you deactivate your Facebook account first. When you deactivate Facebook, Messenger continues running unless you manually switch it off. The expected behavior of both devices to power down automatically does not match what users experience in reality. The structure knowledge helps users stop their online information from appearing to others.
Steps to Deactivate Facebook Messenger
Before you can deactivate Facebook Messenger, you need to deactivate your Facebook account. We’ve previously explained how to deactivate your account, so if you’ve not yet deactivated Facebook, you need to go and do it before continuing.
Next, to deactivate Facebook Messenger, just follow the simple instructions below:
- Open Messenger on a mobile device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner.
- Scroll down and select Privacy and Terms.
- On the next screen, choose Deactivate Messenger.
- Enter your password.
- Tap on Deactivate.
To reactivate Facebook Messenger, just log back into the Messenger app using your username and password.
Note: Reactivating Messenger will also reactivate your main Facebook account. If you only want to keep the Messenger service, you will need to deactivate your Facebook account for a second time.
Should You Delete Messenger Permanently?
Deletion differs from deactivation. When deleting an app or account forever, you lose stored messages and connection history. People take this step when they shift away from social media or want long-term privacy. If you are unsure, deactivation gives time to decide before doing anything irreversible.
Wrap Up
Remember, you can still appear invisible on Messenger and Facebook Chat without taking the drastic step of deactivating your account. Lastly, keep in mind that if you delete your Facebook account completely, you will lose access to Messenger as well. There is no way to keep Messenger without maintaining a Facebook profile.
