How to Unfriend Deactivated Friends on Facebook
First, you must visit the Friends section to remove the deactivated profiles from your Facebook account. Then, find and identify the ghost profiles you want to remove, followed by unfriending them. Here are the steps in detail.
1. Access Your Friends List
Visiting the Friends section is important because you cannot view the profile otherwise through the Facebook search.
Step 1: Open the Facebook website.
Step 2: Go to your profile by clicking the profile picture icon at the top left.

Step 3: Then, click on the Friends tab below your cover photo.
Alternatively, you may open this link, which will take you directly to the Friends section.

2. Identify Deactivated Facebook Accounts
Next, identify accounts that have been deactivated. You need to look through your entire Friend list. There are a few telling signs. A deactivated account usually fits the following:
- The profile name will appear on your friend list with no picture or the default FaceBook silhouette.
- When you click on a deactivated profile, you do not get an account; you get a message informing you that the account has been deactivated.
- Deactivated accounts will also not show mutual friends next to the account name.
You should check your Friend list to see if any profiles match the above. Also, note that deactivated profiles cannot be accessed through search.
3. Remove Deactivated Friends
Once you have stumbled on a deactivated account, you may take the following steps to remove it.
Step 1: Hit the Friends drop-down menu next to their name.

Step 2: Select Unfriend.

Should You Remove Deactivated Friends?
I would advise against it unless you don’t want to be friends with them in the future. Deactivating a profile is temporary for the other person who hasn’t deleted their account. So, when the person comes back on Facebook, surprise, surprise, you will no longer be friends with them.
Also, how is their silent presence inside the Friends section bothering you? So, unless those ghost profiles get on your nerves, the answer is no.
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Last updated on 28 May, 2024
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