To deactivate Messenger, you typically need to deactivate your Facebook account since Messenger is deeply integrated with Facebook. Here's how you can deactivate your Facebook account, which will also deactivate Messenger:
1. **Open Facebook**: Go to the Facebook website or open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
2. **Go to Settings**: On the Facebook website, click on the downward-facing arrow in the top-right corner of the screen to open the dropdown menu. Then, select "Settings & Privacy" and choose "Settings." On the Facebook app, tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom-right corner, scroll down, and select "Settings & Privacy." Then, tap on "Settings."
3. **Deactivate Account**: In the Settings menu, scroll down until you find the "Your Facebook Information" section. Click on "Account Ownership and Control." Then, click on "Deactivation and Deletion." On the next screen, select "Deactivate Account" and follow the prompts to confirm your decision.
4. **Confirm Deactivation**: Facebook will ask you to confirm your decision to deactivate your account. You may need to enter your password and provide a reason for deactivating. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
5. **Deactivation Complete**: Once you confirm, your Facebook account, including Messenger, will be deactivated. Your profile and all associated information will be hidden from other users, and you will no longer be able to use Messenger until you reactivate your Facebook account.
6. **Reactivation**: If you decide to reactivate your Facebook account in the future, simply log in to Facebook using your email address (or phone number) and password. Your Messenger account will also be reactivated automatically.
Keep in mind that deactivating your Facebook account is different from permanently deleting it. Deactivation allows you to take a break from Facebook and Messenger without losing your account data, while permanent deletion removes your account and all associated information permanently.