The fastest way to log out depends on what device you're using
On your phone, open Messenger, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, scroll down, and tap "Log Out". On a computer, click your profile picture in the top left, then click "Log Out" from the menu. The app will sign you out when ready, and you'll need your password to sign back in.
If you're using Messenger on a web browser instead of the app, the process is slightly different: click your profile picture in the top left corner of the Messenger window, then select "Log Out" from the dropdown menu. You'll be returned to the Facebook login page.
One thing to know: logging out of Messenger does not automatically log you out of Facebook itself. If you want to end both sessions at once, you'll need to log out of Facebook separately after logging out of Messenger.
Key Takeaways
- On mobile, tap your profile picture, scroll down, and select "Log Out" to end your Messenger session when ready.
- On a computer or web browser, click your profile picture and choose "Log Out" from the menu that appears.
- Logging out of Messenger does not log you out of Facebook — you must do those separately if you want both to end.
- After you log out, anyone with access to that device will not see your messages or contacts unless they sign in with their own account.
- If you forget to log out on a shared device, you can remotely end the session from another device using Facebook's security settings.
Why logging out matters on a shared device
When you stay logged into Messenger on a shared computer or phone, anyone who picks up that device can read your messages, see who you've been talking to, and access your contact list. This is especially important if you share a device with roommates, family members, or coworkers.
Logging out is the simplest way to prevent this. It clears your session from that device, so the next person who opens Messenger will see a login screen instead of your inbox. This is more effective than just closing the app, because closing the app doesn't actually end your session — it just hides it.
How to log out on Android phones
Open the Messenger app and look for your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen. Tap it once. A menu will appear with several options including "Active Status", "Notifications", and "Privacy".
Scroll down to the bottom of this menu until you see "Log Out". Tap it. Messenger will ask you to confirm — tap "Log Out" again. The app will close and return you to the login screen. You are now signed out.
How to log out on iPhones and iPads
Open Messenger and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. The menu that opens looks similar to Android, but the layout may be slightly different depending on your iOS version.
Scroll all the way down until you see "Log Out" at the bottom. Tap it, confirm when prompted, and you'll be logged out. If you don't see "Log Out" when ready, make sure you've scrolled to the very bottom of the menu — it's always the last option.
How to log out on Windows and Mac computers
If you're using Messenger on a web browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Edge), go to Messenger.com and look for your profile picture in the top left corner of the window. Click it once.
A dropdown menu will appear. Click "Log Out" from this menu. You'll be signed out and returned to the Facebook login page. If you're using the Messenger desktop app instead, the process is the same: click your profile picture and select "Log Out".
What to do if you can't find the log out button
If the menu doesn't show a "Log Out" option, try updating your app. Messenger updates regularly, and older versions sometimes have different menu layouts. Go to your device's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone) and check for updates.
If updating doesn't help, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the menu doesn't load properly on the first try. If you still can't find the option, you can also log out by going to Facebook.com, clicking your profile picture, selecting "Settings & Privacy", then "Settings", then "Security and Login", and clicking "Log Out All Sessions" — this will end your Messenger session along with any other Facebook sessions on that device.
How to remotely log out if you forgot on a shared device
If you left Messenger logged in on someone else's device and want to end that session without physically accessing the device, you can do this through Facebook's security settings. Sign into Facebook on any other device, click your profile picture, go to "Settings & Privacy", then "Settings".
Look for "Security and Login" on the left side. Under "Where You're Logged In", you'll see a list of all devices and browsers currently signed into your account. Find the device you want to log out from and click "Log Out" next to it. This will end your Messenger session on that device when ready, even if you're not physically there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out of Messenger delete my messages?
No. Your messages stay on Facebook's servers. When you log back in with your password, all your conversations will still be there. Logging out only removes your session from that specific device.
What's the difference between logging out and just closing the app?
Closing the app hides it from your screen but leaves you logged in. If someone opens Messenger again, they'll see your inbox. Logging out ends your session, so the next person sees a login screen instead.
Can I log out of Messenger without logging out of Facebook?
Not directly. Messenger and Facebook share the same login, so logging out of one logs you out of both. If you want to stay logged into Facebook but end your Messenger session, you'll need to use a separate browser or device for Messenger.
Will logging out stop Facebook from tracking my activity?
Logging out stops Messenger from tracking your activity on that device. However, Facebook may still track your activity through other means if you're logged into Facebook itself or if you visit websites with Facebook tracking pixels. Logging out is about device security, not about stopping all tracking.
What if I log out and then can't remember my password?
Go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgot Password?". Facebook will send you a link to reset your password through the email address or phone number associated with your account. You'll be able to log back in once you've set a new password.