Logging out properly closes your session and prevents others from accessing your account
Logging out means ending your session on a website or app — it tells the service to forget that you're logged in on that device. When you log out, anyone else who picks up your phone, tablet, or computer won't be able to access your account without your password. This is especially important on shared devices, public computers, or before you sell or give away a device.
The location of the logout button varies by service, but it's almost always in the same few places: a menu in the top right corner, a settings or account section, or a dropdown next to your name or profile picture. Some services call it "Sign Out" instead of "Log Out" — they mean the same thing.
Key Takeaways
- Log out by finding the menu in the top right corner or the account settings section, then look for "Log Out" or "Sign Out".
- On shared devices, always log out before leaving, especially on public computers like those in libraries or internet cafes.
- Logging out is different from closing the browser — closing the tab doesn't always end your session.
- If you can't find a logout button, check the settings or account menu, or look for a three-line menu icon (called a hamburger menu).
- After logging out, you should see a login screen or a message confirming you've been signed out.
Where to find the logout button on common services
Most websites and apps put the logout option in one of three places. On a computer, look in the top right corner of the page — you'll usually see your name, initials, or a profile picture. Click that, and a dropdown menu appears with "Log Out" or "Sign Out" as one of the options.
On a phone or tablet, look for a three-line menu icon (hamburger menu) or a gear icon for settings. Tap it, then scroll down to find "Log Out" or "Sign Out". Some apps hide it under "Account" or "Profile" instead of the main menu.
If you still can't find it, try looking in the account or settings section of the service. Gmail, for example, puts logout in the top right corner next to your profile picture. Facebook puts it in the dropdown menu next to your name. Twitter (now X) has it in the "More" menu on the left side.
Why logging out matters on shared and public devices
If you use a computer that other people also use — a family computer, a work computer, or a public library computer — logging out is essential. Without logging out, the next person who opens that browser can see your email, messages, photos, and anything else in your account.
Public computers are the highest risk. A library computer, an internet cafe, or a computer at a hotel should always be logged out of before you leave. Even if you close the browser window, your session might still be active if you come back to the same computer later that day.
On your personal device that only you use, logging out is less critical for security, but it's still a good habit. It prevents accidental access if someone borrows your phone, and it can help if your device is lost or stolen — the thief won't automatically have access to your accounts.
The difference between logging out and closing your browser
Closing the browser tab or window does not always log you out. Many websites keep you logged in even after you close the tab, so the next time you visit that site, you're still signed in. This is called a "persistent session," and it's designed for convenience — you don't have to type your password every time.
To actually end your session, you must click the logout button. After you do, the website forgets that you're logged in. The next time you visit, you'll see the login screen instead of your account.
Some services let you log out of all your sessions at once from the account settings page. This is useful if you've logged in on multiple devices and want to sign out everywhere. Look for an option like "Active Sessions," "Devices," or "Where You're Logged In" in your account settings.
What to do if you can't find a logout button
If a website or app doesn't seem to have a logout option, check the account settings or profile menu first. Some services bury the logout button deep in the settings to discourage people from leaving.
If you still can't find it, try these steps: On a computer, look for a gear icon or "Settings" link, usually in the top right. On a phone, look for a three-line menu icon or a "More" option. If the service has a help section, search for "how to log out" — the instructions will tell you exactly where to find it.
As a last resort, you can clear your browser cookies for that website, which will force you to log in again the next time you visit. This isn't as clean as a proper logout, but it does end your session. On most browsers, you can do this by going to Settings, then Privacy or History, and clearing cookies for that specific site.
Logging out on mobile apps versus websites
Mobile apps sometimes handle logout differently than websites. On an app, the logout button is usually in the settings or profile section, accessed through a menu icon. After you log out, the app returns to the login screen.
Some apps let you stay logged in permanently unless you manually log out. Others log you out automatically after a period of inactivity — usually a few hours or days. Check your app's settings to see if there's an option to control how long you stay logged in.
If you uninstall an app without logging out first, you're still logged in on the app's servers. The next time you install it, you may need to log in again, or you may be automatically logged back in. If you're selling or giving away your phone, always log out of important apps like email, banking, and social media before erasing the device.
Logging out safely before selling or giving away a device
Before you sell, donate, or give away a phone, tablet, or computer, log out of every account you use on that device. This includes email, social media, banking, shopping, and any other service where you have an account.
Go through each app and website, find the logout button, and sign out. Then, if the device has a factory reset option, use it to erase all data. On most phones, this is in Settings under "Reset" or "Erase." On a computer, use the operating system's built-in reset tool.
Don't rely on just deleting your passwords or clearing your browser history — these don't always log you out of your accounts. A factory reset is the safest way to make sure no one else can access your accounts on that device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing my browser tab log me out?
Not usually. Most websites keep you logged in even after you close the tab, so you'll still be signed in the next time you visit. You must click the logout button to actually end your session.
What if I forget to log out on a public computer?
Go back to that computer as soon as possible and log out manually. If you can't return, change your password from a device you trust. This forces the old session to end and prevents anyone else from using your account.
Can I log out of all my devices at once?
Many services let you see all the devices you're logged in on and sign out from all of them at once. Look in your account settings for "Active Sessions," "Devices," or "Where You're Logged In." Not all services offer this feature.
Is it safe to stay logged in on my personal phone?
Staying logged in on your personal phone is generally safe if only you use it. However, if your phone is lost or stolen, logging out regularly means fewer accounts are at risk. It's a trade-off between convenience and security.
What happens after I log out?
After you log out, you'll see a login screen or a message confirming you've been signed out. Your session ends, and anyone else using that device won't be able to access your account without your password.