How to Appear Offline to Some People on Facebook

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow guide teaches you how to prevent certain friends on Facebook from seeing that you're online on both the mobile Facebook Messenger app and on Facebook's desktop website. For mobile, setting your Active status to "Off" in Facebook Messenger causes you to appear offline to everyone, so to appear offline to specific people it's recommended to temporarily block specific friends. Using Facebook's desktop website, you can turn off Facebook chat for specific contacts which will make you appear offline to those contacts, but they will still be able to send you messages.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using the Messenger App

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This app is blue with a white lightning bolt on it.
    • If you aren't already signed into Facebook Messenger, enter your phone number and password before continuing.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the stack of three lines that's either in the bottom-right area of the screen (iPhone) or the top-right area of the screen (Android).
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open their conversation page; if you've never had a conversation with them, this page will be empty.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top of the conversation page. Doing so invokes a pop-up menu.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the last option on the page.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It will turn green or blue, depending on your device. Doing so will prevent this friend from seeing that you're online, though it will also prevent you from receiving any messages from them.
    • Repeat this process with each person from whom you wish to hide.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Computer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at https://www.facebook.com/ . Doing so will open your News Feed if you're already signed into Facebook.
    • If you aren't already signed into Facebook, enter your email address (or phone number) and password before continuing.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This icon is in the bottom-right corner of the Facebook window, just below the chat bar. A pop-up menu will appear.
    • If your entire chat is currently turned off, first click the turn on chat link.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the middle of the pop-up menu.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option allows you to select specific friends to whom you'll appear offline.
    • If you only want to appear online to a few people, click the "Turn off chat for all contacts except" circle.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":552,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To do so, type in a friend's name, then click their name when it appears below the text field.
    • If you're turning on chat for a few people instead, just enter the names of the people for whom you wish to appear online.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid1633830-v4-728px-Appear-Offline-to-Some-People-on-Facebook-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a blue button at the bottom of the window. This will turn off Facebook chat for your selected friends, making you appear offline in the process.
    • You will still be able to receive messages and notifications from these contacts, but they won't see you in their "Active Now" chat bar.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does this still work today?
    Community Answer
    None of those solutions work simply because you may appear offline, but it shows that you were online 1 minute ago, which gives everyone the hint that you are online but "hiding".
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 27 Helpful 130
  • Question
    How does it say someone was active 42 minutes ago when I know they're online right now?
    Community Answer
    Facebook will use their last sent message as their last active time if they are not active with the chat turned on.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 25
  • Question
    How does it say someone was active 42 minutes ago when I know they're online right now?
    Community Answer
    They are using mobile Facebook to turn off their availability.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • You can go offline entirely in Facebook Messenger by opening the People tab, tapping the Active tab, and sliding the switch next to your own name to the left.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Your "Last Online" tag, which shows the last time you were online, will display the time at which you turned off chat for your contacts.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
      • If you want to receive messages from or send messages to a blocked contact in Facebook Messenger, you'll need to unblock them.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Be Safe on the Internet
      Locking Your Facebook Account on an iPhone, Android, or Computer
      How to
      Get Someone's Facebook Password
      How to
      Make a Facebook Bio: 200+ Engaging Examples (+ Writing Tips)
      10 Ways to Fix Facebook If It’s Crashing
      3 Easy Ways to Make a Fake Facebook Account
      How to
      Open Your Old Facebook Account
      How to
      Check Which Email Address You Use for Facebook: iPhone + Android
      Why Is My Facebook Feed All Ads and Suggested Posts?
      How to
      Search a Phone Number on Facebook
      How to
      See Someone's Recently Added Friends on Facebook
      4 Easy Ways to Find Your Facebook User ID and Username
      2 Easy Ways to See Who You Are Following on Facebook
      Finding Old Facebook Posts: Easy Search Tips
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Messenger.
      2. Tap People .
      3. Tap a friend.
      4. Tap the person's name.
      5. Tap Block .
      6. Slide "Block Messages" to the On position.
      7. Repeat this step for all you want to hide.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 940,585 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement