With over 2.5 billion active users, Facebook is the world’s largest social media platform. Maintaining control over your Facebook privacy and security is critical. But what’s the difference between logging out of Facebook temporarily versus deactivating your account more permanently?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare logging out versus deactivating on Facebook in terms of visibility, accessibility, privacy, reactivation, and much more. You’ll learn some best practices for managing your Facebook profile status as well. Let’s get started!
Logging Out vs Deactivating on Facebook
Let’s first clearly define the key differences between logging out and deactivating your Facebook account:
Logging Out
- Temporarily disconnects account on that device/browser
- Doesn’t affect account visibility or status
- Data remains fully accessible when logging back in
- Easy to instantly reactivate access
Deactivating
- Disables account globally
- Limits account visibility to others
- Restricts access to some account data
- Requires Facebook approval to reactivate
So logging out is a temporary access break while deactivation more severely limits account functionality.
Visibility and Usage When Logged Out of Facebook
How does logging out versus deactivating impact the visibility and use of your Facebook account?
Logged Out
- Profile and posts remain fully visible
- Account remains active and usable from other sessions
- Appears normal to other users
Deactivated
- Profile hidden from non-friends
- No one can interact with account
- Friends may see limited profile info
- Username can be claimed by others
So logging out has no externally visible effect, while deactivation disables and hides the account.
Accessing Data While Logged Out of Facebook
What about accessing your own Facebook data and content when logged out versus deactivated?
Logged Out
- Can immediately regain full account access by logging back in
- Content remains accessible from other logged-in devices/apps
- No disruption to data like posts, photos, messages
Deactivated
- Must submit request and wait for Facebook approval to reactivate
- Can’t access certain data like previous posts and messages
- Data may be lost if deactivated for too long
So logging out only temporarily limits account access from that particular device or session.
Impacts on Privacy from Logging Out vs Deactivating
How do logging out versus deactivating affect privacy and security?
Logged Out
- Doesn’t affect account security settings
- Other logged-in sessions remain active
- Still risks account hijacking if device unlocked
Deactivated
- Resets account password and approvals
- Disconnects all authorized apps and browsers
- Enhances account security overall
So deactivating more completely secures your inactive Facebook account.
Reactivating After Logging Out vs Deactivation
Reactivating after a simple logout is far easier than reactivating a deactivated Facebook account:
Logged Out
- Simply login again with your credentials
- Immediately regain account access
- Appears seamless to followers
Deactivated
- Must submit request and wait for Facebook approval
- Approval not guaranteed immediately or at all
- Followers may need to be refriended
So seamless instant reactivation makes logging out preferable for temporary breaks.
Facebook Account Status Best Practices
Given the key differences, follow these general Facebook account management best practices:
- Log out for brief access control like using public computers
- Deactivate for extended Facebook breaks or enhanced account security
- Delete account only if permanently closing an account
- Enable two-factor authentication in either logged out or deactivated state
- Backup data before considering deactivation or deletion
Those tips will ensure smooth transitions between active and inactive Facebook account statuses.
Logging Out Instead of Deleting Facebook
Rather than deleting Facebook entirely:
- Logging out lets you step away temporarily as needed
- Deactivating secures accounts during prolonged inactivity
- You can maintain separate accounts for personal and professional uses
So evaluate whether logging out or deactivation better suit your specific Facebook account management needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs around logging out versus deactivating on Facebook:
Can someone hack my Facebook if I’m logged out?
No, logging out does not directly compromise account security beyond losing that device access. Enable two-factor authentication for optimal security.
What happens if I accidentally get logged out?
Simply log back in with your credentials. Your account content and visibility remains unaffected by temporary involuntary logouts.
Does deactivating delete my Facebook account?
No, deactivation just disables the account temporarily while preserving all data. It can be reactivated later if desired.
Can I restore a deactivated Facebook account?
Yes, you can submit a request to reactivate a deactivated account within 14 days to restore functionality.
Should I log out or deactivate unused Facebook accounts?
Logging out works well for short-term disabling, while deactivation improves security for long-term protection.
In summary, logging out of Facebook is a temporary access control measure while full deactivation more permanently restricts and secures inactive accounts. Consider your specific circumstances and intentions to decide which option better fits your account management needs.
