How to Logout from Facebook Messenger on Android, iPhone & Windows Phone

The new Facebook Messenger app that was launched few months back lacks the crucial Logout option. Because of this, iOS, Android, and Windows Phone users are unable to log out of the new Facebook Messenger app on smartphones. It’s pretty odd as to why Facebook removed the ‘Logout’ option or perhaps they don’t want users to stop using their Messenger. Well, it’s not possible to sign out from within the Messenger but there is a simple workaround to do so if you’re using an Android device. iPhone, iPad and WP users can also logout without uninstalling the app but that requires using Facebook’s web interface, either from your mobile browser or desktop. Though, this isn’t a user friendly way but will do the required job.

Logout from Messenger on Android –

Go to phone Settings > Applications and open the Messenger app. Click the ‘Clear data’ option and now open Messenger. You’ll now able to log into Messenger using a different Facebook account. Note: If you’ve Facebook app installed and you’re singed into it then Messenger will still show your previously linked account that can be configured right away. To sign in using a different ID, just click on the ‘Switch Account’ option. In case you want to unlink your earlier account from Messenger, simply logout from Facebook app.

         

Note: Clearing data will remove the app settings and all your messenger data (stored locally) such as photos. However, the messages and pictures will be synced again with your account. Follow the below alternate procedure instead, if you don’t want the data to be wiped off.

Logout from Facebook App/ Messenger App on iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Desktop (Recommended Method)

This is a very useful way to remotely logout from Facebook from any or all of the devices to which your Facebook account is linked with. It comes real handy in case you loose access to a particular device and want to prevent unauthorised access to your account. The advantage of this workaround is that it doesn’t wipes your local Messenger data and works with all major mobile OS like iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), Android and Windows Phone.

To do so, log into your Facebook account from your desktop browser or use Chrome browser to log into facebook.com on your smartphone and opt for desktop version of the site. In Facebook, navigate to Settings > Security and click on “Where You’re Logged In” option.

Here you can see all your Facebook active sessions along with details like Device type. Select the Messenger one and click on “End activity”. Now open Messenger on your phone and it’ll automatically log off (wait for a short while and make sure you’re connected to Internet.)

Dear Facebook, please don’t annoy users by pulling off basic functionality. Take that!