The fastest way to log out

To log out of Claude Code, look for your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the screen and click it. A menu will appear with a "Log out" or "Sign out" option — click that, and you will be signed out when ready. Your session ends right away, and you will be returned to the login page.

If you are using Claude Code through a web browser, you can also clear your browser cookies for the Claude domain, which will force a logout the next time you refresh. This is useful if the logout button is not working or if you want to make sure all traces of your session are removed from that device.

On mobile devices, the process is the same: tap your profile icon and select the logout option from the menu that appears. The exact wording and location may vary slightly depending on whether you are using the Claude website or a mobile app, but the principle is identical across all platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • Click your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner and select "Log out" from the menu that appears.
  • Logging out ends your session when ready and returns you to the login page.
  • If the logout button does not work, clearing your browser cookies for Claude's domain will force a logout on your next visit.
  • Mobile devices use the same process as desktop — tap your profile icon and select logout from the menu.

Why you might want to log out

Logging out is important when you are using a shared device, a public computer, or a device you are about to sell or give away. It prevents someone else from accessing your Claude account, your conversation history, and any files or settings you have saved.

Even if you are the only person who uses a device, logging out periodically is a good security habit. It clears your active session and reduces the window of time during which someone with physical access to your device could use your account without your knowledge.

If you have changed your password recently or suspect your account may have been compromised, logging out of all active sessions is one of the first steps to take. Some accounts allow you to log out of all sessions at once from your account settings, which is faster than logging out on each device individually.

What happens after you log out

Once you log out, your session token is invalidated, meaning you cannot use Claude Code until you log back in. Any unsaved work in your current session remains on Claude's servers and will be available the next time you log in — logging out does not delete your conversations or files.

If you were in the middle of a conversation or code session, that work is preserved. The next time you log in, you will see your conversation history and can pick up where you left off. This is different from closing the browser window or tab, which straightforward closes the interface but leaves your session active until it times out.

Logging out on a shared device

If you are using Claude Code on a computer that other people also use, always log out before you leave. Do not rely on closing the browser window — the session may remain active for several minutes or longer, giving someone else time to access your account.

After you click logout, wait a moment for the page to redirect to the login screen. This confirms that the logout was successful. If the page does not change, refresh it manually to make sure you are seeing the login page and not a cached version of the logged-in interface.

If you cannot find the logout button

The profile icon is usually in the top right corner of the Claude Code interface, but its exact appearance depends on your account settings and which version of Claude you are using. It may be a circular image, your initials, or a generic user icon.

If you cannot locate it, try clicking in the top right area of the page where user menus typically appear. If that does not work, look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines or three dots) and click it — the logout option may be nested inside a general menu rather than directly visible.

As a last resort, you can always log out by clearing your browser cookies. Open your browser settings, find the option to clear cookies or browsing data, select the Claude domain, and clear it. The next time you visit Claude Code, you will be logged out and asked to sign in again.

Logging out versus closing the app

Closing the Claude Code app or browser tab is not the same as logging out. When you close the app, your session remains active on Claude's servers. If someone picks up your device while the app is still running, they can access your account without entering a password.

Logging out explicitly tells Claude's servers to end your session, which is why it is the safer choice on shared or public devices. Always use the logout button rather than straightforward closing the window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will logging out delete my conversations?

No. Your conversations, files, and settings are stored on Claude's servers and will be there when you log back in. Logging out only ends your current session — it does not erase any of your data.

How long does a session stay active after I close the browser?

Sessions typically remain active for a period of time after you close the browser, though the exact duration varies. To be safe on a shared device, always use the logout button instead of relying on closing the window.

Can I log out of all my devices at once?

Some accounts have a "Log out of all sessions" option in the account settings or security section. Check your account settings to see if this option is available — it is faster than logging out on each device individually.

What if I forget to log out on a public computer?

If you realize you forgot to log out, log back in from any device and look for an option to view active sessions or log out remotely. Many accounts allow you to end sessions from a distance without being at the device itself.

Does logging out on one device log me out everywhere?

No. Logging out on one device only ends that session. You will remain logged in on any other devices you use. To log out everywhere, you need to either log out on each device or use the "log out of all sessions" option if your account offers it.