Leaving your account active on a shared computer or a borrowed phone creates unnecessary security risks. Knowing how to sign out of Facebook properly keeps your personal messages, photos, and account settings protected from unauthorized access. Closing a browser window or swiping away an app doesn't actually end your active session, which means anyone else using that device can walk right back into your profile.
The exact steps vary depending on whether you're using a desktop web browser, an iPhone, an Android device, or attempting to clear multiple sessions remotely.
How to Sign Out on Desktop Browsers
If you're using Facebook on a computer via Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge, you can terminate your session in a few clicks.
- Click your profile picture or the downward arrow icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select Log Out from the bottom of the dropdown menu.
- If prompted, confirm that you want to sign out.
Once completed, the page refreshes to the main login screen. If your browser prompts you to save your password, choose to decline if you're using a public or shared computer.
How to Sign Out on the Mobile App
Mobile devices maintain persistent sessions that require navigating through the in-app menu. The layout differs slightly between iOS and Android.
On iPhone and iPad
- Open the Facebook app and tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Log Out and confirm your choice when the prompt appears.
On Android
- Open the app and tap the Menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down past your shortcuts and settings.
- Tap Log Out at the bottom of the list.
Clearing Remote Sessions and Active Logins
If you forgot to log out on a library computer, a friend's tablet, or an old phone, you don't need physical access to that device to secure your account. Facebook lets you terminate active sessions remotely from your primary phone or computer.
- Open your Facebook settings and navigate to the Accounts Center.
- Look for the Password and Security section, then select Where you're logged in.
- Choose your account to see a complete list of devices currently connected to your profile, along with their locations and last active timestamps.
- Tap Select devices to log out or click on a specific unfamiliar device, then tap Log Out.
Using the "Log Out of All Sessions" option instantly invalidates every active cookie and token worldwide, forcing every device—including the one you're holding—to require a fresh password entry.
Managing Saved Passwords and Browser Auto-Fill
Simply clicking log out won't stop a browser from automatically filling in your login credentials the next time someone visits the site. To prevent auto-login:
- Go to your browser's password manager settings (for instance, in Chrome under Settings > Passwords).
- Locate any saved entries for
facebook.comand delete them. - Clear your browser cookies and site data for Facebook to remove cached login tokens.
Troubleshooting Logout Errors
Sometimes glitches prevent the logout button from responding. If clicking log out does nothing, try these quick fixes:
- Disable browser extensions like aggressive ad blockers or strict privacy shields that might block the scripts required to process the logout request.
- Switch to an incognito window or an alternate browser to clear the session manually.
- Clear your app cache or update the Facebook mobile app to the latest version via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does signing out delete my photos or posts?
No. Signing out only ends your current browsing session. Your data remains safely stored on Facebook's servers until you choose to delete content or deactivate your account.
Why does Facebook keep logging me back in automatically?
This happens when you have saved your password in your browser or checked a box to remember your login details. Clearing your browser cookies and disabling auto-fill stops this behavior.
Can I log out someone else from my account?
Yes. By visiting the "Where you're logged in" section within your Account Center settings, you can view every active device and remotely terminate access for any session you don't recognize.
