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To show offline on your phone, turn off Active Status in Messenger: open Chats, tap your profile picture, choose Active Status, switch it off, then confirm Turn Off. The documented steps apply to Messenger on Android and iPhone/iPad; a current Facebook-app menu path is not verified here.
How do I show offline on Facebook mobile?
If you use Messenger on your phone, switch off its Active Status setting. This hides the online or recently active indicator; it is separate from message notifications and broader privacy settings.
- Open the Messenger app and go to Chats.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper-left corner.
- Tap Active Status.
- Switch the Active Status toggle off.
- When prompted, confirm by tapping Turn Off.
These Android and iPhone/iPad steps are documented by Hithawathi, whose guide was last updated January 1, 2025.
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Is this the same as turning off Active Status in the Facebook app?
No. The instructions above are for Messenger. Meta’s Active Status help page could not be checked for a current Facebook-app menu path, so the steps should not be assumed to describe the Facebook app. Meta’s Facebook privacy settings overview covers broader audience and visibility controls, while its messaging overview directs Messenger questions to Messenger Help Center.
#1 Best Overall
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can easily be heard.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- Designed for the home. With a sleek picture frame design, quick setup and intuitive voice and touchscreen controls, Portal fits easily and seamlessly into your home.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
What if I still appear active?
If you use Facebook or Messenger in more than one place, check the Active Status setting in the other apps or logged-in sessions you use as well. An India Today guide from July 13, 2020, notes that activity may still show in other places where Facebook or Messenger is in use; because that guidance is dated, treat this as a prudent cross-check rather than a guarantee about how current settings synchronize.
The Messenger setting can be switched back on later. The available instructions do not establish a guaranteed time for the change to take effect.
Rank #2
- Move and talk freely with Smart Camera: With Smart Camera, you don’t have to worry about being out of frame. Whether you’re moving around the kitchen, prepping dinner or chasing the kids through the living room, Smart Camera adjusts to follow the action. And as more people enter a room, Smart Camera automatically widens to keep everyone in view, so you don’t miss a moment
- Private by design: Facebook doesn't listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Calls on Portal are encrypted, so conversations stay between you and those you're calling. You can also completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap, or block the camera lens with the camera cover provided
- Connect with friends, even if they don't have Portal: Easily call friends and family on Messenger — calls can be made seamlessly to and from smartphones and tablets. And you can bring up to six other people into a group call
- Alexa built-in: Portal has Alexa built-in, so you can ask a question, set a timer, add items to your shopping list, control your smart home or more. Just ask
- Experience more together: With Portal, story time will never be the same. With music, animation and augmented reality effects, Portal lets you become some of your children’s favorite characters as you read along to well-loved stories. And if friends or family also have Portal, you can listen to your favorite music together as if you were in the same room, without delays or feedback
Does this turn off notifications or location access?
No. Active Status controls the activity indicator; it is not a notification setting, a general privacy control, or a device location permission. Facebook location access is managed separately in Android or iOS settings. See Meta’s guidance on Facebook Location Services for that separate control.
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Best Value
- Easily video call with friends and family using your Messenger or WhatsApp account, even if they don't have Portal.
- Keep up with the action. Smart Camera automatically pans and zooms, keeping everyone in frame while you move and talk freely.
- Hear and be heard. Smart Sound enhances your voice while minimizing unwanted background noise.
- Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the camera lens with a single switch. All Portal video calls are encrypted.
- See and do more with Alexa Built-in. Control your smart home, listen to your favorite music, watch the news, get the weather, set a timer and more.
Rank #4
- Feel close, wherever you roam. With the best of Meta Portal smart video calling made portable, you can take the conversation anywhere in your home.
- Designed for calls on the go. A long-lasting battery and integrated handle make it easy to move from room to room.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can always be heard.
- Great sound anywhere. Listen to music with a speaker that can fill any room. Doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker around the home.
Rank #3
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can easily be heard.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- Designed for the home. With a sleek picture frame design, quick setup and intuitive voice and touchscreen controls, Meta Portal fits easily and seamlessly into your home.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
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