The quickest way to log out depends on what device you're using
On your phone, open Facebook Messenger, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, scroll down and tap "Log Out". On a computer, click your profile picture in the top left, then select "Log Out" from the menu. The app will close immediately and you'll need to enter your password the next time you open it.
If you can't find these options or the app isn't responding, you can also log out by going to your Facebook account settings on a web browser, finding the "Where You're Logged In" section, and ending the Messenger session from there. This works even if you're away from the device.
Logging out is different from just closing the app. Closing Messenger keeps you logged in — the next person who opens it will see your account. Logging out removes your account from that device entirely.
Key Takeaways
- On phones, tap your profile picture in Messenger, scroll to the bottom, and select "Log Out".
- On computers, click your profile picture in the top left corner and choose "Log Out" from the dropdown menu.
- Closing the app is not the same as logging out — you remain logged in until you explicitly log out.
- If you lose access to a device, you can log out remotely through your Facebook account settings under "Where You're Logged In".
Logging out on iPhone or Android
Open the Messenger app and look for your profile picture — it's usually a small circle in the top left corner of the screen. Tap it once. A menu will slide up from the bottom showing your name and several options.
Scroll down to the very bottom of this menu. You'll see "Log Out" in red text. Tap it. Messenger will ask you to confirm; tap "Log Out" again. The app will close and your account will be removed from that phone.
The next time you or anyone else opens Messenger on that phone, they'll see a login screen asking for a phone number, email, or username and password. Your messages and chats will still exist on Facebook's servers — logging out just removes access from that specific device.
Logging out on a computer or web browser
Go to Messenger.com or open Facebook and click the Messenger icon. In the top left corner, you'll see your profile picture. Click it once.
A dropdown menu will appear. Look for "Log Out" near the bottom of the list and click it. You'll be logged out immediately. If you're using Facebook.com and Messenger at the same time, logging out of Messenger may also log you out of Facebook, depending on your browser settings.
If you're on a shared computer and want to be extra sure, close the browser completely after logging out. This clears temporary login information that some browsers store.
What to do if the log out button isn't visible
Sometimes the profile menu doesn't load properly, especially on older phones or slow connections. Try closing the app completely and opening it again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close Messenger. On Android, tap the back button or swipe left to close it.
If the menu still won't appear, you can log out through your Facebook account instead. On a computer, go to Facebook.com, click your profile picture in the top right, and select "Settings and Privacy" then "Settings". On the left side, click "Where You're Logged In". Find Messenger in the list and click "Log Out" next to it.
On a phone, open the Facebook app (not Messenger), tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to "Settings and Privacy", tap "Settings", then go to "Where You're Logged In" and remove Messenger from there.
Logging out of Messenger on a device you no longer have
If you've lost a phone, sold a computer, or left a device somewhere, you can still log out remotely. Go to Facebook.com on any device where you're logged in, click your profile picture, and select "Settings and Privacy" then "Settings".
On the left side, click "Where You're Logged In". This shows every device currently signed into your account, including Messenger. Find the device you want to remove and click "Log Out" next to it. You don't need to have that device in your hands.
If you've lost access to your Facebook account entirely, you can report the device as lost through Facebook's security tools. Go to the login page, click "Forgot Password?", and follow the steps to secure your account. Facebook can then log out all sessions on your behalf.
Why you might want to log out regularly
Logging out is most important on shared devices — computers in libraries, phones you're selling, tablets that family members use. It prevents someone else from reading your messages or impersonating you.
On your personal phone or computer, logging out isn't necessary for security. Facebook's servers are encrypted, and Messenger doesn't store your password on the device. However, some people log out before traveling, before lending a device to someone, or if they suspect their phone has been compromised.
If you're concerned about someone accessing your account, logging out everywhere is a good first step. You can then change your password and review your login history to see if anyone else has accessed your account recently.
The difference between log out, lock, and deactivate
Log out removes your account from a specific device. You stay logged in on other devices. Lock (available on some phones) prevents anyone from opening Messenger without your fingerprint or face recognition, but you remain logged in. Deactivate temporarily hides your entire Facebook account and Messenger from everyone, though you can reactivate it later.
Most people need to log out. Lock is useful if you want to keep using Messenger on your phone but prevent someone who picks it up from reading your messages. Deactivate is for when you want to step away from Facebook entirely for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my messages if I log out?
No. Your messages stay on Facebook's servers. When you log back in on any device, all your chats and message history will be there. Logging out only removes your account from that specific device.
Can I log out of Messenger without logging out of Facebook?
On most devices, logging out of Messenger also logs you out of Facebook because they share the same login. However, on a computer, you can sometimes log out of Messenger while staying logged into Facebook.com, depending on your browser. The safest way to stay logged into Facebook but remove Messenger access is to use the "Where You're Logged In" section in settings.
What happens if someone else logs into my Messenger account?
They can read all your messages and chats, and send messages as you. If you think this has happened, change your Facebook password immediately, then go to "Where You're Logged In" and log out all sessions. You can also turn on two-factor authentication in your security settings to prevent unauthorized logins in the future.
Do I need to log out every time I close the app?
No. Closing the app is different from logging out. You only need to log out if you're using a shared device, selling or giving away your phone, or if you want to remove your account from that device for security reasons.
How do I know if I'm logged out?
When you open Messenger, you'll see a login screen asking for your phone number, email, or username and password. If you see your chats immediately, you're still logged in. On a computer, if you see your profile picture in the top left corner, you're logged in.