How to disable ‘Active Now’ green dot on Facebook

Over the years, my Facebook feed has turned into a hodgepodge of MLM peddlers, COVID misinformation, rage over said COVID misinformation, and Minions memes. Yet, embarrassingly, I still check up on it every now and again — and I know I’m not alone in that.

In keeping with this surreptitious Facebook use, I don’t want anyone to spy that green bubble next to my icon and actually know that I’m checking it. Here’s how to disable the ‘Active Now’ green dot on Facebook.

On desktop, press the Messenger icon on the top right of the homepage.

Credit: mashable

Next, select the ellipsis (…) at the top of the dropdown.

Credit: Mashable

Chat Settings will open up. Go to Turn Off Active Status.

Credit: mashable

You can choose whether to turn off the green bubble for everyone, or blacklist/whitelist certain names. Click “Okay” when you’re done.

Credit: mashable

On mobile, this is a little different. When you tap Messenger on the Facebook app, it’ll open up the dedicated Messenger app. From there, click your profile picture at the top left. Select Active Status, and then toggle whether you want to show that you’re active:

Credit: mashable

Credit: mashable

That’s it! Enjoy your private Facebook scrolling.