This article explains why Facebook Messenger cannot be deactivated and provides steps to ensure your activity remains hidden from others.

How to Hide Active Status in the Messenger App

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to deactivate Facebook Messenger on its own (more on that below). However, the best alternative is to appear offline to your contacts. If you want to stay on Facebook but limit visibility on Messenger, follow these steps to hide your active status:

• Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu icon at the top.
• Select the settings (gear) icon.
• Tap Active Status.
• Toggle off “Show when you’re active.”
• Confirm by tapping PAUSE (on Android) or Turn off (on iPhone).

Now, even if you open Messenger to read or send messages, your contacts won’t see you online. This is an effective way to minimize interactions and discourage people from reaching out via Messenger.

Can I Temporarily Deactivate Messenger?

There’s no way to temporarily deactivate Messenger or turn it off. The only way to disable Facebook’s messaging service is by deactivating your entire Facebook account.

If you want a simpler alternative, you can delete the Messenger app from your device. This won’t affect your account—you can still log in anytime from another device or browser—but it will make Messenger less accessible, and you’ll stop receiving message notifications. You can find instructions for removing apps on Android and iPhone.

Another less drastic option is logging out of Messenger. While Facebook doesn’t make it easy, logging out will stop message alerts without deleting your account or the app.

Related: How to Deactivate Facebook Messenger