How to Revoke Messenger Access: A Step-by-Step Guide
Facebook Messenger, while a convenient tool for staying connected, sometimes requires you to manage who has access to your account. Whether it’s an old device, a third-party app you no longer use, or simply a security precaution, knowing how to remove access to your Messenger account is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to revoke Messenger access, ensuring your account remains secure and private.
## Why Revoke Messenger Access?
There are several reasons why you might want to revoke access to your Messenger account:
* **Security Concerns:** If you suspect your account has been compromised or accessed by an unauthorized user, immediately revoking access is essential.
* **Old Devices:** If you’ve logged into Messenger on a device you no longer use (e.g., an old phone or tablet), it’s wise to remove access to prevent potential security risks.
* **Third-Party Apps:** Some apps request access to your Messenger account for various features. If you no longer use these apps or are concerned about their privacy practices, revoking access is recommended.
* **Privacy:** You might simply want to review and control which devices and apps have access to your Messenger data.
* **Selling or Disposing of a Device:** Before selling, donating, or recycling a device that has access to your Messenger account, it’s critical to remove that access to prevent the new owner from accessing your messages.
## Methods to Revoke Messenger Access
There are several methods you can use to revoke Messenger access, depending on the situation and the type of access you want to remove. We’ll cover the most common scenarios:
1. **Revoking Access from Active Sessions (Logged-In Devices):
**
This method allows you to remotely log out of Messenger on devices where you are currently logged in.
**Steps:**
* **Using the Facebook Website (Desktop):**
1. **Log in to Facebook:** Go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com) and log in with your username and password.
2. **Access Settings & Privacy:** Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the screen.
3. **Go to Settings:** Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu, then click “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** In the left-hand menu, click on “Security and Login.”
5. **View Active Sessions:** Under the “Where You’re Logged In” section, you’ll see a list of devices and locations where you are currently logged in to Facebook. This list includes Messenger sessions.
6. **Identify the Session to Revoke:** Find the session you want to end. Look for details like device type, location, and time of login to identify the correct session.
7. **End the Session:** Click the three vertical dots (options) next to the session you want to remove. Select “Log Out” from the dropdown menu. This will immediately log you out of Messenger on that device.
* **Using the Facebook Mobile App:**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. **Access the Menu:** Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
3. **Scroll Down and Tap Settings & Privacy:** Scroll down the menu and tap “Settings & Privacy,” then tap “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** Scroll down to the “Security” section and tap “Security and Login.”
5. **View Active Sessions:** Under the “Where You’re Logged In” section, you’ll see a list of devices and locations where you are currently logged in to Facebook. This list includes Messenger sessions.
6. **Identify the Session to Revoke:** Find the session you want to end. Look for details like device type, location, and time of login to identify the correct session.
7. **End the Session:** Tap the three vertical dots (options) next to the session you want to remove. Select “Log Out” from the dropdown menu. This will immediately log you out of Messenger on that device.
2. **Revoking Access from Authorized Apps and Websites:
**
This method allows you to remove permissions granted to third-party apps and websites that have access to your Messenger account.
**Steps:**
* **Using the Facebook Website (Desktop):**
1. **Log in to Facebook:** Go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com) and log in with your username and password.
2. **Access Settings & Privacy:** Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the screen.
3. **Go to Settings:** Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu, then click “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Apps and Websites:** In the left-hand menu, click on “Apps and Websites.”
5. **View Active and Expired Apps:** You’ll see two tabs: “Active” (apps you’re currently using) and “Expired” (apps you used previously but are no longer active). You may also see a tab for “Removed” apps.
6. **Identify the App to Remove:** Find the app or website you want to remove access from. Review the permissions it has.
7. **Remove the App:** Hover over the app and check the box that appears. Then, click the “Remove” button. A confirmation window will appear.
8. **Confirm Removal:** In the confirmation window, you can choose to delete all posts, videos, or events the app posted on your timeline. Check the box if you want to do this, then click “Remove” again.
* **Using the Facebook Mobile App:**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. **Access the Menu:** Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
3. **Scroll Down and Tap Settings & Privacy:** Scroll down the menu and tap “Settings & Privacy,” then tap “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Apps and Websites:** Scroll down to the “Permissions” section and tap “Apps and Websites.”
5. **View Active and Expired Apps:** You’ll see two tabs: “Logged in with Facebook” (active apps) and “Expired.” You may also see a tab for “Removed” apps.
6. **Identify the App to Remove:** Find the app or website you want to remove access from. Review the permissions it has.
7. **Remove the App:** Tap on the app. You will be taken to a screen with the option to “Remove App”. Tap this button.
8. **Confirm Removal:** In the confirmation window, you can choose to delete all posts, videos, or events the app posted on your timeline. Check the box if you want to do this, then tap “Remove” again.
3. **Changing Your Facebook Password:
**
Changing your Facebook password will effectively log you out of all active sessions, including Messenger, on all devices. This is a more drastic measure but can be useful if you suspect your account has been compromised.
**Steps:**
* **Using the Facebook Website (Desktop):**
1. **Log in to Facebook:** Go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com) and log in with your username and password.
2. **Access Settings & Privacy:** Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the screen.
3. **Go to Settings:** Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu, then click “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** In the left-hand menu, click on “Security and Login.”
5. **Change Password:** Under the “Login” section, click on “Change password.”
6. **Enter Current and New Password:** Enter your current password, then enter your new password twice to confirm it.
7. **Save Changes:** Click “Save Changes.”
8. **Review Other Devices:** Facebook may prompt you to review other devices where you’re logged in. You can choose to log out of all of them or review them individually.
* **Using the Facebook Mobile App:**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. **Access the Menu:** Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
3. **Scroll Down and Tap Settings & Privacy:** Scroll down the menu and tap “Settings & Privacy,” then tap “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** Scroll down to the “Security” section and tap “Security and Login.”
5. **Change Password:** Under the “Login” section, tap on “Change password.”
6. **Enter Current and New Password:** Enter your current password, then enter your new password twice to confirm it.
7. **Save Changes:** Tap “Update Password”.
8. **Review Other Devices:** Facebook may prompt you to review other devices where you’re logged in. You can choose to log out of all of them or review them individually.
4. **Using Two-Factor Authentication:
**
Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor (e.g., a code sent to your phone).
**Steps:**
* **Using the Facebook Website (Desktop):**
1. **Log in to Facebook:** Go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com) and log in with your username and password.
2. **Access Settings & Privacy:** Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the screen.
3. **Go to Settings:** Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu, then click “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** In the left-hand menu, click on “Security and Login.”
5. **Turn on Two-Factor Authentication:** Under the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, click “Use two-factor authentication.”
6. **Choose Authentication Method:** Choose your preferred authentication method (e.g., text message, authentication app).
7. **Follow the Instructions:** Follow the on-screen instructions to set up two-factor authentication. This usually involves entering a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app.
* **Using the Facebook Mobile App:**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. **Access the Menu:** Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
3. **Scroll Down and Tap Settings & Privacy:** Scroll down the menu and tap “Settings & Privacy,” then tap “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** Scroll down to the “Security” section and tap “Security and Login.”
5. **Turn on Two-Factor Authentication:** Under the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, tap “Use two-factor authentication.”
6. **Choose Authentication Method:** Choose your preferred authentication method (e.g., text message, authentication app).
7. **Follow the Instructions:** Follow the on-screen instructions to set up two-factor authentication. This usually involves entering a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app.
5. **Revoking Access via ‘See All’ and Removing Specific Sessions**
This method provides a consolidated view of your logged-in sessions, giving you precise control over which devices to log out.
**Steps:**
* **Using the Facebook Website (Desktop):**
1. **Log in to Facebook:** Go to [www.facebook.com](www.facebook.com) and log in with your username and password.
2. **Access Settings & Privacy:** Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the screen.
3. **Go to Settings:** Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu, then click “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** In the left-hand menu, click on “Security and Login.”
5. **View All Active Sessions:** In the section “Where you’re logged in,” click “See All” to expand and view the complete list of devices.
6. **Identify and Log Out:** Scroll through the list. For each session you want to terminate, click the three dots to the right and select “Log Out.”
* **Using the Facebook Mobile App:**
1. **Open the Facebook App:** Launch the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. **Access the Menu:** Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
3. **Scroll Down and Tap Settings & Privacy:** Scroll down the menu and tap “Settings & Privacy,” then tap “Settings.”
4. **Navigate to Security and Login:** Scroll down to the “Security” section and tap “Security and Login.”
5. **View All Active Sessions:** In the section “Where you’re logged in,” tap “See All” to expand and view the complete list of devices.
6. **Identify and Log Out:** Scroll through the list. For each session you want to terminate, tap the three dots to the right and select “Log Out.”
## Best Practices for Messenger Security
In addition to revoking access when necessary, consider these best practices to keep your Messenger account secure:
* **Use a Strong Password:** Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthday.
* **Enable Two-Factor Authentication:** As mentioned earlier, this adds an extra layer of security to your account.
* **Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts:** Be wary of suspicious messages or emails that ask for your login credentials. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
* **Review App Permissions Regularly:** Periodically review the apps and websites that have access to your Messenger account and remove any that you no longer use or trust.
* **Keep Your Devices Secure:** Keep your devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) updated with the latest security patches and software updates.
* **Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi:** When using public Wi-Fi networks, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from eavesdropping.
* **Report Suspicious Activity:** If you notice any suspicious activity on your Messenger account, such as unauthorized logins or messages, report it to Facebook immediately.
* **Set a strong passcode/biometric lock on your device.** Prevents unauthorized access to your phone.
* **Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.** If one account is compromised, others won’t be.
* **Update your recovery information (email/phone).** This is crucial for regaining access if you get locked out.
* **Be mindful of what you share on Messenger.** Think before sending sensitive information.
* **Educate yourself on common online scams.** This will help you recognize and avoid phishing attempts.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter when revoking Messenger access and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Can’t Find a Device in the List of Active Sessions:**
* **Possible Cause:** The device might not be actively logged in anymore.
* **Solution:** Try logging in on the device again and then immediately logging out. If you still can’t find it, consider changing your password.
* **Can’t Remove an App:**
* **Possible Cause:** The app might have special permissions or be a default Facebook app.
* **Solution:** Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or using a different browser. If the app is a default Facebook app, you might not be able to completely remove it, but you can usually restrict its permissions.
* **Still Receiving Notifications from an App After Removing It:**
* **Possible Cause:** The app might have cached your notification preferences.
* **Solution:** Go to your device’s notification settings and disable notifications from the app.
* **Forgot Your Password:**
* **Possible Cause:** You have forgotten your current password.
* **Solution:** Use the “Forgot Password” link on the Facebook login page to reset your password. You’ll need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account.
* **Two-Factor Authentication Code Not Received:**
* **Possible Cause:** There might be a delay in receiving the code or an issue with your phone number.
* **Solution:** Try requesting the code again. If you still don’t receive it, check your phone number settings in Facebook and make sure they are correct. You can also try using an authentication app instead of text messages.
## Conclusion
Revoking Messenger access is a crucial step in maintaining your account security and privacy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage which devices and apps have access to your Messenger account and protect your personal information. Regularly reviewing your security settings and following best practices for online safety will help you stay safe and secure while using Messenger. Remember to always be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Facebook immediately.
This comprehensive guide ensures you have the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain a secure and private Messenger experience. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize risks and enjoy the benefits of staying connected without compromising your personal data. Remember that vigilance and regular security checks are key to a safe online presence.