How to Be Invisible on Facebook

This article explains how to appear offline in Facebook Messenger by turning off the “available” notification in the chat function to make it look like you’re not online. The instructions in this article apply to both the desktop and mobile versions of Facebook.

How to Appear Offline on Facebook Using a PC or Mac

1. Open Facebook on your PC. 

2. Select the three dot menu to the right of the Contacts section, which is on the bottom-right of the Facebook Home page.

3. Press Turn Off Active Status (this option may appear as Turn Off Chat).

   

   In the dialog box, select the radio button next to your selection.

   • Select Turn Off Active Status for All Contacts if you don’t want to be disturbed by anyone.
   • Pick 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’ll be given the option to choose who you want to be available to.
   • Choose Turn off Active Status for Only Some Contacts if there are just a few people you don’t want to know you’re on Facebook. You’ll be given the option to choose who you don’t want to be available to. 

4. Press Okay.  

   Your active status will remain off until you turn it back on.

How to Appear Offline on Facebook Using an Android Device

If you want to be extra certain that you appear as inactive on Facebook, switch your active status to “off” across all the devices where you use it. 

1. Open your Facebook app.

2. Tap the hamburger icon (menu) in the upper-right corner.

3. Scroll down and tap the Settings & Privacy section, then select Settings.

4. Scroll down to the Privacy section and tap Active Status. 

   

   Tap the switch to the off position, and confirm. 

5. Now friends can't identify you as being online.

How to Appear Offline on Facebook Using an iOS Device

The process for turning off your active status on the Facebook app is slightly different for an iOS device than for an Android one.

1. Open your Facebook app.

2. Tap the hamburger icon (menu) in the lower-right corner.

3. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy. 

4. Tap Settings. 

5. Scroll down to the Privacy section and tap Active Status.

6. Tap the slider next to Show when you're active to turn it off.

7. You're prompted to confirm you choice, then the slider will become white. Once Active Status is disabled, others won't be able to see when you are actively using Facebook.

How to Go Offline on the Facebook Messenger App

If you want to make sure your contacts really don’t see you on Facebook, you’ll need to go radio silent on Messenger as well.

1. Open Messenger on your phone.

2. Tap your profile picture.

3. Within your profile, tap Active Status.

   

   Tap the switch to the off position, and confirm.

4. Now your contacts will see you as offline.