The iMessage feature provides a seamless experience on Mac, letting you view and send messages while working. However, for some, the constant notifications can be a distraction or privacy invasion. If you fall into the latter category, it is simple to sign out of iMessage on Mac. Keep scrolling for a step-by-step tutorial.
Note: You can also turn off iMessage notifications to avoid distractions.
How to log out of iMessage on Mac
- Open the macOS Messages app. You can press Command + Space bar and search it or find it in the Applications folder.
- Click Messages from the top Menu Bar and choose Preferences.
- Click iMessage.
- To temporarily disable iMessage on Mac: Uncheck the box for Enable this account.
- To completely stop using iMessage on Mac: Click Sign Out and confirm.
Bonus Tip: Turn off iMessage notifications on Mac
If you do not want to get disturbed by message notifications on Mac, you can enable Do Not Disturb, which will cut off all apps’ notifications. Or, you can turn off all notifications for the Messages app by following the below steps.
- Click the Apple logo at the top left and choose System Preferences.
- Click Notifications.
- Select Messages and turn off ‘Allow Notifications from Messages.’
Note: If some individual or group is bombarding with notifications, you may also mute or block them.
This is the best way to log out of iMessage on your Mac. You may also remove your Mac entirely from your Apple ID, which will sign out iMessage as well. But why take this route when you have a comparatively more straightforward option!
FAQs on iMessage
Q. How do I remove a phone number from iMessage on Mac?
Go to the Messages app Preferences → iMessage → uncheck the phone number from under ‘You can be reached for messages at:.’
Q. Can you use iMessage on Mac without iPhone?
Yes. Unlike WhatsApp, iMessage does not require your phone to work on other devices like Mac or iPad. You can sign in using your Apple ID to use iMessage on Mac or iPad.
Q. How do I change my iMessage account on Mac?
Sign out of your existing Apple ID by going to the macOS Messages app → click Messages and choose Preferences → iMessage → click Sign Out and confirm to stop using it. Next, sign in with the Apple ID you wish to use your iMessage account from.
Q. How do I enable Messages in iCloud on Mac?
Open Messages App on Mac → From the top menu bar, click Messages → choose Preferences → click iMessages tab → mark the checkbox of Enable Messages in iCloud.
Q. How do I stop iMessages syncing with my Mac?
To sync iMessage with your Mac, go to the Messages app → click Messages from the top menu bar → choose Preferences → click iMessage → uncheck ‘Enable this account’ or click ‘Sign Out.’
If you wish to leave iMessage altogether, see how to deregister it.
Q. What happens if you turn off iMessage?
Once you turn off iMessage on Mac, you can not send or receive iMessages. However, it will work on any other Apple device you have.
Similar Helpful Posts:
- How to know if someone has blocked you on iMessage
- How to Deregister iMessage on iPhone or Online
- How to fix ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error
- How to use iMessage on Windows 11
I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.