How to Turn Off Active Status on Facebook (Go Offline)

Facebook indicates that you are online by placing a green dot next to your name when your Active Status is enabled. You can disable your Active Status on Facebook and Messenger to browse in private without appearing active.

What Is Active Status?

Your Active Status tells your friends and contacts when:

• You are currently online.
• You were recently active.
• You're using Facebook or Messenger on a device.

Disabling this feature helps protect your privacy and prevents others from seeing your online activity.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Facebook

Method 1: Turn Off Active Status on Desktop

1. Open Facebook.com in your browser.
2. Click your Messenger icon (top right).
3. Select See all in Messenger.
4. Click your profile picture in the top-left corner.
5. Select Preferences → Active Status.
6. Switch the toggle off for Show when you're active.

Method 2: Turn Off Active Status on the Facebook Mobile App

1. Open the Facebook app on your phone.
2. Tap the Menu (☰) icon.
3. Scroll down to Settings & Privacy → Settings.
4. Under Audience and Visibility, tap Active Status.
5. Turn off the toggle for Show when you're active.

Method 3: Turn Off Active Status in Messenger App

1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-left.
3. Select Active Status.
4. Turn off Show when you're active.

What Happens When Active Status Is Off?

• You won’t appear online or recently active.
• You also won't see when others are active.
• This change only applies to the device where it was turned off.

Why Turn Off Active Status?

• Privacy: Use Facebook without going online.
• Focus: When working or studying, stay away from messages.
• Stealth viewing: Examine profiles or posts without letting people know you're active.

Conclusion

You have more control over your online presence when you quickly disable your Active Status. Facebook and Messenger allow you to go offline whenever you need to, whether you're avoiding distractions or just want privacy.