The fastest way to sign out of WhatsApp
To sign out of WhatsApp, open the app, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, scroll down to find Linked Devices or Settings, then tap Log Out or Sign Out. The exact wording and location depend on whether you use iPhone or Android, and which version of WhatsApp you have installed. On a computer, you can simply close the web version or right-click your account icon and select Log Out.
WhatsApp does not have a traditional "log off" button like email does. Instead, you are either signed in on your phone (the main location) or on linked devices like computers and tablets. Signing out removes your access from that specific device, but your account stays active on your phone unless you also sign out there.
Key Takeaways
- On your phone, go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap Log Out — this removes WhatsApp from that device entirely.
- On a computer, open WhatsApp Web, click your profile picture in the bottom left, and select Log Out to disconnect that session.
- Signing out of WhatsApp Web does not sign you out of the app on your phone — you must do each device separately.
- If you forget to sign out on a shared computer, you can remotely disconnect it from your phone by going to Linked Devices and removing it.
How to sign out on iPhone
Open WhatsApp and tap the Settings tab in the bottom right corner (it looks like a gear icon). Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen. You will see a button that says Log Out in red text. Tap it, and WhatsApp will ask you to confirm — tap Log Out again. Your account will be removed from your iPhone, and you will need to verify your phone number the next time you open WhatsApp.
If you do not see a Log Out button at the bottom of Settings, you may have an older version of WhatsApp. Update the app from the App Store first, then repeat these steps. After you log out, your messages remain on WhatsApp's servers and will reappear when you log back in with the same phone number.
How to sign out on Android
Open WhatsApp and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. Scroll down to the very bottom and tap Log Out. A confirmation dialog will appear — tap Log Out again to finish. WhatsApp will close, and the app will be signed out on your Android phone.
Some older Android versions may have the Log Out option under Account instead of at the bottom of Settings. If you cannot find it in the main Settings menu, try tapping Account first, then look for the Log Out button there. Your messages will stay saved and return when you sign back in.
How to sign out on WhatsApp Web or Desktop
Open WhatsApp Web in your browser or launch the WhatsApp Desktop app. Look for your profile picture or initials in the bottom left corner of the screen. Click on it, and a small menu will appear. Select Log Out from the options. You will be signed out immediately, and the page will return to the QR code screen.
If you are using WhatsApp Web on a shared computer and cannot access it to sign out, you can disconnect it remotely from your phone. Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings, tap Linked Devices, find the computer in the list, and tap the trash icon or Log Out next to it. The web session will end instantly, even if you are not at that computer.
Signing out versus deleting your account
Signing out and deleting your account are two different things. When you sign out, your account remains active — your phone number is still registered with WhatsApp, and your messages stay on the servers. You can sign back in anytime by opening the app and verifying your phone number. Signing out just removes access from that one device.
If you want to permanently delete your WhatsApp account, that requires a separate step. You would need to go to Settings, find the Delete Account or Deactivate Account option, and follow the prompts. This is permanent and cannot be undone. For most people who just want to stop using WhatsApp on a device, signing out is what you need.
What to do if you cannot find the Log Out button
If you have looked through Settings and cannot find a Log Out option, your version of WhatsApp may be outdated. Open your phone's app store (App Store on iPhone, Google Play on Android), search for WhatsApp, and tap Update if an update is available. Close WhatsApp completely, then reopen it and check Settings again.
If you still cannot find the Log Out button after updating, try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp. This will remove the app from your phone. Go to your app store, search for WhatsApp, and tap Install. When you open it again, you will need to verify your phone number. This method effectively signs you out and gives you a fresh start if something is wrong with your installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my messages disappear if I sign out?
No. Your messages stay on WhatsApp's servers and will reappear when you sign back in with the same phone number. Signing out only removes the app from that device — it does not delete anything.
Can someone else use WhatsApp on my phone after I sign out?
Yes, they can open WhatsApp and verify a different phone number to create a new account. Signing out removes your account from the device, so the next person to open the app will see the setup screen and can register their own number.
How do I sign out if I forgot my password?
WhatsApp does not use passwords — it uses phone number verification instead. You can sign out without a password by going to Settings and tapping Log Out. If you cannot access Settings, uninstall the app and reinstall it, then verify your phone number when prompted.
What happens to my linked devices if I sign out on my phone?
Signing out on your phone will automatically disconnect all linked devices like WhatsApp Web and the desktop app. You will need to scan the QR code again on each device if you want to sign back in.
Can I sign out of WhatsApp on one device without affecting others?
Yes. If you have WhatsApp on your phone and WhatsApp Web open on a computer, you can sign out of just the web version without affecting your phone. Each device signs out independently — you must sign out of each one separately.