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How to Sign Out of Messages on Mac (2 Methods)

How to Sign Out of Messages on Mac

You may have tried to sign out of messages on Mac unsuccessfully; possibly, you didn’t do it right. To guide you on how to do it effectively, keep reading this article on how to sign out of messages on Mac, possible hindrances, learn to troubleshoot and fix them. Let’s get started!

The Message application is an important feature on Mac. It enables one to contact and receive messages from anyone without using their phone as long as the Apple ID is linked. But, due to some reasons, for instance, you want to share your Mac laptop with someone else, or you want to focus on important issues, and you’re being disrupted with the messages from the App, or you want to log in from another device, you might want to sign out from the App. Here are a few guidelines on how to sign out of messages on Mac.


1. Sign Out of iMessage on Mac Permanently.

Your account is deactivated when you permanently sign out of Messages on Mac. You must sign in afresh with the same account when you want to use the App.

i. Open the Message Application

Please navigate through the Dock at the bottom of your Mac laptop to locate the message icon and click on it to open. You can as well find it through the Launchpad.

ii. Navigate to the Message Menu

Select Preferences

Once opened, go to the menu bar at the top of the screen. Then click on the message tab to display options. Select “Preferences” for more options.

iii. Go to the iMessage tab

A new window will be launched after selecting “Preference” from the tabs displayed. Locate the iMessage tab and click it to lead you to the next step, which is the final step of signing out of messages on Mac.

iv. Sign out of messages.

Sign out of messages

From the tabs displayed when the iMessage tab is launched, identify the “Accounts” option. It will show all the accounts you’re logged into on your Mac, and click on the account you want to sign out from; in our case, it’s the “Messages.” After choosing the account, go to “Sign out” at the bottom of your account details and click on it to prompt you to confirm the choice, and you’ll be successfully signed out.


2. Sign Out of Message Temporarily on Mac.

Message notifications can be distractive, especially when you want to stay focused. You don’t need to permanently log out of the App, but manage it by temporarily signing out of the message on Mac.

Your account details remain intact when you temporarily sign out of the message. You only stop receiving notifications on your Mac, but they still appear on your iPhone or devices with the same Apple ID. So what do you do to sign out of message temporarily on Mac? Here are some easy steps:

Step 1: Launch your iMessage app on Mac.

Step 2: Under Settings, you can identify the “Preference” option at the top left of the screen.

Select Preferences

Step 3: Click on “Preference” to display options and choose “Accounts.”

Step 4: Select the iMessage account from the dropdown listing different accounts you’re logged into on the device.

choose Accounts

Step 5: It will prompt you to a page from which you need to check out of the “Enable this Account.”

Pro Tip!

The procedure on how to sign out of messages on Mac, either permanently or temporarily, is almost alike; you should, however, note that the difference is that during a temporary sign-out, you uncheck from “Enable this account,” while during a permanent sign-out, you click on “sign out.”


Why Can’t I Sign Out of iMessage on Mac?

Why Can’t I Sign Out of iMessage on Mac

To sign out of iMessage, you must have access to the account on the device. However, iMessage may fail to log out even after doing it right, or you cannot access your iMessage account. You don’t have to panic; try the following troubleshoots and fix it.

1. Check to Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

First, check your connection. To log out of iMessage, you must have a stable internet connection. Check the connection on your Mac to see if it’s stable; if not, try to refresh the connection. If it fails, check if the network cables are loose or switched off and fix it.

2. Update to the Latest MacOS Version

After trying the above options unsuccessfully, you should check if the App is up to date. To do this, visit “App Store” on the same device, then “Update” to view Apps that require to be updated. Click on the iMessage App to automatically update if it’s there, but if you can’t find it, possibly it’s up to date.

3. Access through Safe Mode

If the above methods don’t work, you must try to boot your Mac into safe mode. Many devices, including Apple, have a safe mode feature that enables you to access and use different when your device experiences a problem. To enable safe mode, switch your Mac device off for some seconds, then on while holding down the shift button. Your device will boot into safe mode, now apply the procedure above on how to sign out of Messages on Mac.

4. Delete your Phone Number

For iMessage to function, it requires your contact details. Now that you want to sign out, your phone number is useless. Why not delete it as an option when you cannot sign out with the procedure given above? To delete your phone number, go to the iCloud App on your device>Contact tab>select phone number>click the “-“to delete. Your iMessage account will be delinked and deleted.


How to Turn Off iMessage Notifications on Mac

Pop-up notifications can be distracting; you don’t have to delete the App to avoid such. Even better, you can still send and receive messages from your Mac when you turn off iMessage notifications with these few steps.

Step 1: Open your message app at the bottom of the Mac device, then go to the menu icon (the Apple symbol) in the top left.

Step 2: Click on the menu and select “System Preferences” to display options on a dropdown.

Step 3: Tap the “Notifications and Focus” option.

Step 4: A list of apps will display on the left side then,

Step 5: Click on Messages for more options.

Step 6: Disable “Allow Notifications” to switch off notifications.


Customize Your Notification on Messages

Step 1: Locate your “Messages” app on your Mac at the bottom of your device and Click to open.

Step 2: Once opened, you can identify an Apple Logo at the top left of the screen. Tap on it to display more options.

Step 3: Select “System Settings” for further options.

Step 4: Click the “Notifications” tab and select “Messages” from the options displayed.

Notifications

Step 5: Once you click on it, you will see notification settings for messages you can adjust to your desire.


Bottom Line

Signing out of the Message app on Mac takes a few simple steps. As provided in this article, there are steps to either sign out temporarily or permanently. Alternatively, you can manage your notification settings for the desired period instead of signing out. Moreover, it provides for troubleshoots and simple fixes when you cannot complete signing out even after following the right procedure. With all these, you’ll get it done.

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HOB Soft

Hobsoft is a team of digital security experts dedicated to providing honest, unbiased reviews of computer software to help users find the best solutions for their needs. Our reviews, tips, and how-to guides are based on extensive testing and personal experience, ensuring that we provide reliable and valuable information. With a background in digital security products and services, Hobsoft's expertise ensures that our reviews are both trustworthy and informative. Our team is committed to providing accurate information and helping users navigate the ever-changing world of digital security.