How do I hide my active status on Messenger?
Applies to: Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS, Web, Desktop)
Last updated: September 2025
Problem
By default, Messenger shows your contacts when you’re active (green dot) or when you were last online. If you want more privacy, you may prefer to hide your active status so others can’t see when you’re available.
Solution
You can hide your active status in Messenger settings. Once turned off, you won’t appear online, but you also won’t see other people’s active status.
Step-by-step instructions
On Android/iOS (mobile app)
- Open the Messenger app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Select Active Status.
- Toggle off Show when you’re active.
- Confirm by tapping Turn Off.
On Messenger Web/Desktop
6. Go to messenger.com or open the desktop app.
7. Click your profile picture in the top-left corner.
8. Select Preferences > Active Status.
9. Toggle off Show when you’re active.
Optional methods or tools
- Custom control (Facebook website): In Facebook settings, you can choose to appear active for only some contacts while hiding from others.
- Do Not Disturb mode: Combine with phone settings to avoid interruptions.
Best practices or tips
- Remember: If you hide your active status, you also won’t see when your friends are online.
- Use this feature if you want to read messages without pressure to reply immediately.
- Pair it with muting notifications for maximum privacy.
- You can turn active status back on anytime if you want contacts to know when you’re available.
