Logging out means ending your session so someone else cannot access your account
When you log out, you tell the device or website that you are done using it. Your login information stays saved on that device, but you are no longer actively signed in. This matters most on shared computers, public devices, or before you sell or give away a phone or laptop. Logging out is different from logging in — it does not erase your password or account, just your current access.
The steps to log out vary by device and service. Websites usually have a logout button in a menu. Apps on phones and tablets often hide the logout option in settings. Desktop computers may require you to switch users or sign out from the system menu. The goal is the same everywhere: disconnect your account from that particular device or browser.
Key Takeaways
- Websites typically have a logout button in the top-right corner, in a menu labeled with your name or initials, or under Account Settings.
- Phone and tablet apps usually require you to find the logout option in the app's settings or profile menu, not in the device settings.
- Logging out of a website in one browser does not log you out in another browser on the same device.
- On shared computers, logging out of your account is faster than shutting down the whole machine, but switching users is more secure.
- Restarting your device does not automatically log you out of websites or apps — you must do it manually.
How to log out of websites
Most websites place the logout button in the top-right corner of the page, usually inside a menu with your name, email, or a profile icon. Click or tap that menu and look for a button that says "Log Out", "Sign Out", or "Logout". Click it, and the website will end your session.
If you cannot find a logout button, check the Account Settings or Profile page. Some sites bury the logout option there instead of in the main menu. A few older or simpler websites do not have a logout button at all — in those cases, closing the browser tab or window is enough to end your session.
Logging out of a website in one browser does not log you out in another. If you use Chrome and Firefox on the same computer, you may be logged into your email in both. You must log out of each one separately. The same is true for logging out on your phone versus your laptop — they are separate sessions.
How to log out of apps on phones and tablets
Phone and tablet apps store logout options in different places than websites do. Open the app, then look for a settings icon (usually a gear or three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the screen or in the top corner. Tap it and search for "Log Out", "Sign Out", "Account", or "Profile". The logout button is usually there.
Some apps, like Gmail or Facebook, hide the logout option deeper in the menu. You may need to tap Settings, then Account, then Security, and finally Sign Out. Check the app's help section if you get stuck — the path varies by app.
Do not look for logout in your phone's main Settings app. That is for managing your device itself, not individual apps. The logout button must be inside the app you want to leave.
How to log out on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers
On Windows, click the Start button (bottom left), then click your account name or profile picture. Select "Sign out". This ends your user session and returns the computer to the login screen. Anyone else can then log in without seeing your files or open programs.
On Mac, click the Apple menu (top left), then select "Log Out [Your Name]". Confirm when prompted. Your session ends and the login screen appears.
On Linux, the logout option is usually in the system menu at the top or bottom of the screen. Click it and select "Log Out" or "Sign Out". The exact location depends on which version of Linux you use.
Logging out of your user account is different from logging out of websites or apps. When you log out of your user account, all your open programs close and anyone else can use the computer. Logging out of a website just ends that one session.
How to log out before selling or giving away a device
Before you hand over a phone, tablet, or laptop, log out of every account you use on it. This includes email, social media, banking apps, and any other service with your personal information. Go through each app and website one by one and log out.
After you log out of everything, consider doing a factory reset on the device. This erases all your files, apps, and settings and returns the device to how it came from the manufacturer. On most phones, this is in Settings under Reset or Erase. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset This PC. On Mac, restart the computer and hold Command + R, then choose Erase Mac and Reinstall macOS.
A factory reset is more thorough than logging out, because it removes everything, not just your login sessions. If you are selling the device, a factory reset is the safer choice.
What happens after you log out
Once you log out, you cannot access that account from that device until you log back in. If someone else uses the device, they will see the login screen and cannot get into your account without your password.
Your account itself is not affected. Your files, messages, photos, and settings stay on the company's servers. When you log back in from any device, everything is still there. Logging out only disconnects you from that particular device or browser.
If you forget to log out on a shared computer, anyone using that computer afterward can access your account. If this happens, log in from a different device, change your password, and check your account activity to see if anyone else used it.
Logging out versus other ways to disconnect
Logging out is not the same as closing the app or browser. Closing an app or browser window may end your session, but some apps and websites keep you logged in even after you close them. The next time you open the app or website, you may still be signed in. To be sure you are logged out, use the logout button.
Restarting your device does not automatically log you out of websites or apps. When you turn your computer or phone back on, you may still be logged into your accounts. You must log out manually before you restart if you want to be sure no one else can access your accounts.
On shared computers, switching users is more secure than logging out. When you switch users, your session stays active in the background, but the other person cannot see it. Logging out closes your session completely. For maximum security on a shared device, always switch users instead of just logging out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out erase my password?
No. Logging out ends your current session but does not change your password or erase it from the device. When you log back in, you can use the same password. If you want to change your password, you must do that in your account settings, not by logging out.
Will I lose my files if I log out?
No. Your files stay on the company's servers or on your device. Logging out only disconnects you from the account. When you log back in, all your files, messages, and settings are still there.
What if I log out and then forget my password?
You can still recover your account. Go to the login page and click "Forgot Password" or "Can't Log In". The service will send a recovery link to your email or phone number. Follow the link to reset your password and log back in.
Is logging out the same as deleting my account?
No. Logging out ends your session on one device. Deleting your account removes it permanently from the company's servers. To delete an account, go to Account Settings and look for "Delete Account" or "Close Account". Logging out does not delete anything.
Can someone log into my account if I only close the browser without logging out?
On a shared computer, yes. If you close the browser without logging out, the next person who opens that browser may still be logged into your account. Always use the logout button before closing the browser on a shared device.