This article explains how to use Facebook Messenger without appearing online. It also teaches you to hide the active contact list.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Hide from Other Users on the Mobile App
Step 1. Open the Messenger app, represented by a blue dialog cloud containing a lightning bolt
If you are not logged in, type your phone number, tap "Continue", then enter your password
Step 2. Tap People
It is located at the bottom right.
Step 3. Tap the Active tab
It is located at the top of the screen, under the "Search" bar.
If the "Active" tab is blue, it means you already have it open
Step 4. Swipe the button next to your name:
it will turn white. At this point you will not appear online, but you will still be able to send and receive messages.
When you hide from active users, you can't even see them in this tab
Method 2 of 4: Hide from Other Users on the Facebook Website
Step 1. Open Facebook
The News Feed should appear.
If you are not logged in, enter your e-mail address (or phone number) and password, then click "Log in" at the top right
Step 2. Click on the Messenger icon, represented by a dialog bubble containing a lightning bolt
It is located at the top right, in the middle of other options.
Step 3. Click See all on Messenger
It is located at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click on the gear wheel icon, located at the top left
Step 5. Click on Settings, which is the first item in the drop-down menu
Step 6. Click on the green button, located at the top of the page, next to your name
This way your profile will not appear in your friends' "Active" list.
Method 3 of 4: Hide the "Active" List on the Mobile App
Step 1. Open the Messenger app, depicted by a blue dialogue bubble containing a lightning bolt
If you are not logged in, type in your phone number, tap "Continue" and enter your password
Step 2. Tap "…" next to "Active"
It is located under recent messages, at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Tap Hide
Active contacts who are using Facebook Messenger will disappear.
Method 4 of 4: Hide the "Active" List on the Facebook Website
Step 1. Open Facebook
If you are already logged in, the News Feed will appear.
If you are not logged in, enter your e-mail address (or phone number) and password, then click "Log in" at the top right
Step 2. Click on the gear icon at the bottom right
It is located directly next to the search bar, below the chat.
