Log out of Messenger by opening Settings and tapping your account
To log out of Facebook Messenger on Android, open the app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Then tap Settings & Privacy, select Settings, scroll down and tap Log Out. Confirm when the app asks if you're sure. You'll be signed out immediately and returned to the login screen.
This method works on any Android phone or tablet running a recent version of Messenger. The exact wording of menu items can shift slightly between app versions, but the Settings menu always contains the logout option.
Key Takeaways
- Open Messenger, tap your profile picture in the top left, then go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Log Out to sign out completely.
- Logging out removes your account from the device but does not delete your message history or account — you can log back in anytime.
- If you can't find your profile picture, look for a gear icon or three horizontal lines (menu icon) instead, which also opens Settings.
- Restarting the Messenger app after logging out will show the login screen, confirming the logout was successful.
What happens to your messages when you log out
Logging out of Messenger does not delete your conversations, photos, or any other data stored on Facebook's servers. Your messages remain in your account and will reappear the moment you log back in with the same username and password.
The only thing that changes is that the app no longer shows your messages on that specific phone. If someone sends you a message while you're logged out, you won't see a notification on that device — but the message will be waiting in your account when you log back in.
If you can't find the Settings menu
Some older versions of Messenger or phones with custom interfaces may have the Settings option in a different location. If tapping your profile picture doesn't show Settings & Privacy, look for a gear icon (⚙) or three horizontal lines (≡) at the top or bottom of the screen.
Tap whichever icon you find, then look for words like "Settings," "Account," or "Preferences." Once you're in Settings, scroll down until you see "Log Out" — it's usually near the bottom of the list. If you still can't locate it, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, which often resets the menu layout to the standard version.
Logging out versus clearing the app cache
Logging out and clearing the app cache are two different actions. Logging out removes your account from the device. Clearing the cache removes temporary files the app uses but keeps you logged in — you'll still see your messages the next time you open Messenger.
If you want to fully remove Messenger from your phone without losing your account, logging out is the right choice. If the app is running slowly or crashing, clearing the cache (found in Settings > Apps > Messenger > Storage > Clear Cache) may help, but you'll stay logged in.
How to log back in after logging out
After you log out, the Messenger app will show a login screen with fields for your email address or phone number and your password. Enter the same login details you used before, and tap Log In. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Facebook account, you'll be asked to enter a security code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.
Once you're logged back in, all your conversations will reappear exactly as they were. Messenger will also restore your notification settings and any customizations you made before logging out.
Logging out on a shared or borrowed phone
If you're using someone else's phone or a shared device, logging out is the safest way to protect your privacy. After you log out, the next person who opens Messenger will see the login screen and won't be able to see your messages or contacts without your password.
For extra security on a shared device, ask the phone's owner to remove the Messenger app entirely from the device after you log out. This prevents anyone from reinstalling it and trying to access your account without your knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will logging out delete my Messenger account?
No. Logging out only removes the app from your phone. Your account, messages, and all your data remain on Facebook's servers. You can log back in anytime with your username and password, and everything will be there.
Can I log out of Messenger without logging out of Facebook?
Yes. Messenger is a separate app from Facebook, so logging out of Messenger does not affect your Facebook account. You can stay logged into Facebook while logging out of Messenger, or vice versa.
What if I forgot my password and can't log back in?
Go to the Facebook login page on your phone's web browser and tap "Forgot Password?" Enter your email address or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Once you've reset it, you can log back into Messenger with the new password.
Does logging out stop notifications from Messenger?
Yes. Once you log out, you won't receive notifications on that phone. Messages will still arrive in your account, but you won't see alerts or badges on the app icon. You'll see everything when you log back in.
Can someone else log into my Messenger account on my phone after I log out?
They could try, but they would need your password. If you're the only person who knows your password, your account is safe. If you're concerned someone has your password, change it through Facebook's settings on a computer or another device.