The fastest way to log out depends on your device

On a 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 click Log Out from the menu. The process takes about 10 seconds either way. If you cannot find these options, your account may be linked to Facebook itself rather than set up as a standalone Messenger account — in that case, you log out of Facebook, which automatically logs you out of Messenger.

Logging out completely removes your account from that device. You will need your password to log back in. If you share a device with someone else, logging out prevents them from reading your messages without your permission.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone or Android, tap your profile picture, scroll to the bottom, and select Log Out.
  • On a computer browser, click your profile picture and choose Log Out from the dropdown menu.
  • If Messenger is linked to your Facebook account, logging out of Facebook logs you out of Messenger automatically.
  • After logging out, your messages stay on Facebook's servers but are not visible on that device until you log back in.

Logging out on iPhone and iPad

Open the Messenger app and look for your profile picture or initial in a circle at the top left of the screen. Tap it once. A menu will appear with options like your name, active status, and other settings.

Scroll all the way to the bottom of this menu. You will see a Log Out button in red or dark text. Tap it. Messenger will ask you to confirm — tap Log Out again. The app will return to the login screen, and you are now logged out.

Logging out on Android phones and tablets

Open Messenger and tap your profile picture or initial in the top left corner. Scroll down through the menu until you reach the bottom section.

Tap Log Out. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap Log Out again to finish. You will be returned to the login screen.

Logging out on a computer or web browser

Go to messenger.com or open Facebook and click the Messenger icon. Look for your profile picture or initial in the top left corner of the Messenger window and click it once.

A dropdown menu will open. Scroll down or look for Log Out at the bottom of the menu. Click it. Your browser will log you out, and the next time you visit Messenger, you will see the login screen.

What happens after you log out

Your messages do not disappear. They remain stored on Facebook's servers and will be there when you log back in. Other people can still send you messages, but you will not see them until you log in again.

Your status — whether you appear online or offline — will change to offline immediately. If you had notifications turned on, you will stop receiving them on that device. If you log in on another device, you will see your messages there instead.

If you cannot find the Log Out button

Some older versions of Messenger or certain account setups may not show a Log Out option in the profile menu. If this happens, try logging out through Facebook itself. Go to Facebook.com, click your profile picture in the top right, and select Log Out. This will log you out of both Facebook and Messenger at the same time.

If you are using Messenger on a computer and the Log Out button still does not appear, try clearing your browser's cookies and cache, then reload the page. You can also try using a different browser to see if the option appears there.

Logging out remotely from other devices

If you want to log out of Messenger on a device you do not have access to right now, you can do this through your Facebook settings. On any device where you are logged in, go to your Facebook settings, find Security and Login, and look for a list of active sessions. You can end any session from this screen, which will log you out on that device even if you are not physically there.

This is useful if you left Messenger open on a shared computer or a device you no longer use. The person using that device will be logged out the next time they try to send a message or refresh the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will logging out delete my messages?

No. Your messages stay on Facebook's servers permanently. When you log back in, all your conversations will be there. Logging out only removes access from that specific device.

Can I log out of Messenger without logging out of Facebook?

Not directly. Messenger and Facebook are linked on most accounts. If you log out of one, you log out of both. If you want to stay logged into Facebook but not Messenger, you would need to use a separate browser or device for Messenger.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log back in?

Go to the Facebook login page and click Forgot Password? Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset it. Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password, then use it to log into Messenger.

Does logging out log me out on all my devices?

No. Logging out on one device only affects that device. If you are logged into Messenger on your phone and your computer, logging out on your phone does not log you out on your computer. You have to log out on each device separately.

How do I know if I am logged out?

When you open Messenger, you will see a login screen asking for your email or phone number and password. If you see your chat list instead, you are still logged in on that device.