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How to Be Invisible on Facebook

Social media doesn't always have to be so social

By Karen Marcus Karen Marcus Writer University of Colorado at Denver Colorado State University Karen Marcus is a former Lifewire writer who has also written for companies like HP, Intel, IBM, Samsung, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 31, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Facebook Facebook Pinterest Twitter Snapchat Instagram YouTube Online Dating

What To Know

On Facebook.com: Select the Messenger icon > Options (three dots) > Turn Off Active Status. Choose a visibility level and select Okay.In the Facebook iOS/Android app: Go to Menu > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Active Status and toggle off Show when you're active.In the Messenger iOS/Android app: Go to Chats > profile picture > Active Status. Toggle off Active Status, then tap Turn Off to confirm. This article explains how to appear offline while using Facebook and Facebook Messenger so you can browse without others knowing you're around. Instructions cover Facebook on the desktop as well as the Facebook and Messenger iOS and Android apps.

How to Appear Offline on Facebook Using a PC or Mac

When you're on Facebook or Facebook Messenger, friends may notice that you're online and think it's a great time to send you messages. Here's what to do if you prefer more privacy. Navigate to Facebook.com and select the Messenger icon. Select Options (three dots). Select Turn Off Active Status. Choose Turn off active status for all contacts if you don't want to be disturbed by anyone. Select Turn off active status for all contacts except if you don't want to be disturbed by most people, but want to be available to a select few. You can designate friends who can see your online status. Choose Turn off active status for only some contacts if there are only a few people to whom you prefer to remain incognito. Select Okay when you've made your selection. Your active status remains off until you turn it back on.

How to Appear Offline on Facebook Using an iOS or Android Device

You can manage whether you show as online or offline using the Facebook apps for iOS and Android. Tap Menu (three lines) in the lower-right corner (iOS) or upper-right corner (Android). Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy. Tap Settings. Scroll down to the Privacy section and tap Active Status. Tap the toggle next to Show when you're active to turn it off. Tap Turn Off to confirm. In addition to being invisible to your Facebook friends at times, there are ways to block people from finding you on Facebook.

How to Go Offline on the Facebook Messenger App

Turn off Active Status directly from the Messenger app for iOS or Android, as well. From the Chats tab, select your profile picture. Tap Active Status. Toggle off Active Status, then tap Turn Off to confirm. After you turn off Active Status, you can still send messages and participate in conversations you already had going. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Turn off Facebook Messenger How to Find Your Facebook Messenger History How to Log Out of Facebook Messenger How to Recover Deleted Messages on Facebook Messenger How to Deactivate Facebook Messenger How to Hide on Facebook How to Use Messenger Without a Facebook Account How to Find Hidden Facebook Messages How to Add Anyone to Facebook Messenger How to Add or Remove Shortcuts on Facebook How to Fix It When Facebook Messenger Isn’t Sending Messages How to Delete Notifications on Facebook Messenger Rooms: How to Use Facebook's Video Chat Feature How to Fix It When Facebook Messenger Won’t Load Messages How to Unblock Someone on Messenger How to Unlink Facebook From Instagram Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies