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How to Turn Off iMessage on Mac

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How to Turn Off iMessage on Mac

It’s no secret that iMessage is an easy and convenient way to message somebody, saving your precious SMS usage if they have an iPhone as well. Using iMessage on your Mac can be even more useful, especially when you’re busy on your computer and your phone is out of reach.

But, sometimes, you just need some time to focus without the endless stream of messages coming in. Fortunately, there are a few options when it comes to disabling this feature.

Let’s explore exactly how to turn off iMessage on Mac.

How to Turn Off iMessage on Mac Using iCloud

The first way you can turn off iMessage is by signing out of your iCloud account. It’s important to note that this will mean you won’t have access to Apple ID features on your Mac. Here’s how to do it!

Step 1: Open Messages

On Mac, iMessage is called the Messages app. Open a Finder window, locate this app, and open it.

turn off imessage on mac
Open Messages.

©History-Computer.com

Step 2: Open Preferences

Next, click Messages in the top left corner of your screen, and then select Preferences from the drop-down menu.

how to turn off imessage
Click Messages and then Preferences.

©History-Computer.com

Step 3: Sign Out

Now, you can open the iMessage tab and then click Sign Out to log out of your iCloud account.

turn off imessage on mac
Click iMessage and then select Sign out next to your iCloud account.

©History-Computer.com

Check out the video below to learn more about how to sign out of iMessages on your Mac.

How to Turn Off iMessage Notifications on Mac

Maybe you don’t want to sign out of your iCloud account completely, and simply want to stop getting notified from iMessage. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Apple Menu

Click the Apple icon in the top left corner to open the menu.

Step 2: Open System Preferences

Now, click System Preferences and a popup window will appear.

turn off imessage on mac
Click the Apple icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen and select System Preferences from the drop-down.

©History-Computer.com

Step 3: Go to Notifications & Focus

You can find the Notifications & Focus icon usually along the top row of this window.

turn off imessage on mac
Click on the Notifications & Focus icon.

©History-Computer.com

Step 4: Select Messages

If you scroll down a bit, you’ll find the Messages app in the menu on the left. Click this.

turn off imessage on mac
Select Messages.

©History-Computer.com

Step 5: Disable Notifications

The last step is to simply toggle the Allow Notifications switch to the off position. You won’t receive any more notifications from iMessage after doing this.

turn off imessage on mac
Toggle the Allow Notifications switch off so it becomes grey.

©History-Computer.com

How to Temporarily Turn Off iMessage Notifications on Mac

Yet another method, especially if you’re busy and want to use iMessage later, is to disable notifications temporarily. The next steps illustrate how to do this.

Step 1: Open Notifications & Focus

As before, open System Preferences and then click Notifications & Focus to open the Notification Center.

turn off imessage on mac
Click System Preferences.

©History-Computer.com

turn off imessage on mac
Open Notifications & Focus.

©History-Computer.com

Step 2: Go to the Focus Tab

Here, click Focus at the top to open this tab.

turn off imessage on mac
Click on Focus.

©History-Computer.com

Step 3: Activate Do Not Disturb

Finally, toggle the Do Not Disturb switch to the on position. This will disable all notifications while activated.

turn off imessage on mac
Toggle the switch next to Do Not Disturb so it turns blue.

©History-Computer.com

How to Customize Your iMessage Notifications

If you don’t mind receiving some notifications but want to limit them, luckily there’s a way to do that also. Follow the steps down below to do this.

Step 1: Open Your Message Preferences

Like in the first method, open the Messages app and open Preferences from the menu.

how to turn off imessage
Click Messages and then Preferences.

©History-Computer.com

Step 2: Adjust Your Notification Settings

Here, you can uncheck the boxes you wish, such as stopping notifications from unknown contacts, stopping sounds from playing, and notifications from when your name is mentioned.

turn off imessage on mac
Here, you can customize your notifications.

©History-Computer.com

How to Hide Alerts From Specific Contacts

Sometimes you might want to simply silence specific conversations, especially if you’re waiting on a reply from someone. The steps below will show you how.

Step 1: Find the Conversation

Open the Messages app, and find the conversation/s you want to hide alerts from.

Step 2: Open the Information Tab and Hide Alerts

Now you can click the i icon to the right of the phone number and then check the box Hide Alerts to stop notifications from this conversation.

turn off imessage on mac
Click the i icon in the top right-hand corner and then select Hide Alerts.

©History-Computer.com

How to Stop iMessage Syncing to Your Mac

If you want to do away with these messages appearing on your Mac altogether, and without signing out of your iCloud account, this is the method for you.

Step 1: Go to the iMessage Tab in Your Message Preferences

Open your Preferences like in the last process, but go to the iMessage tab instead.

how to turn off imessage
Click Messages, then Preferences, and go to the iMessage tab.

©History-Computer.com

Step 2: Uncheck Your Phone Number

Here you’ll see You can be reached for messages at:, which will tell you how iMessage can be communicated to your Mac. Simply uncheck the box next to your phone number, and email if you want, to stop these messages from popping up on your Mac.

Uncheck the box next to your phone number and/or your email.

©History-Computer.com

Wrapping Up

Using iMessage on your Mac can be very handy, but luckily there are a few ways to stop this from happening if it’s bothering you. Aside from signing out of your iCloud account, you can temporarily or permanently disable notifications, or even stop your phone and email forwarding messages altogether.

Up Next:

How to Turn Off iMessage on Mac FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is iMessage used for?

It’s mostly used as the primary messaging app on iPhones, and can send iMessages between iPhones that don’t count as SMS text messages. As such, they won’t be counted in any message limit you have in your mobile phone contract. Mac users can also use iMessage to communicate if their Mac is synced with their iPhone and logged into the same iCloud account.

Can I turn off iMessage on my iPhone?

Yes, simply open Settings, then iMessage, and toggle from on to off. This means you’ll be using SMS text messages instead.

Can I use iMessage without using my phone number?

Yes, you’ll have to open iMessage settings on your iPhone, tap Send & Receive and then uncheck your phone number underneath You can receive iMessages to and reply from. If you check your email, then you can use iMessage via your email instead of your phone number.

Does disabling iMessage delete my messages?

No, if you disable iMessage,the messages will still be present on your devices and iCloud account if you’re logged in.

Can I delete iMessage?

No, you can’t delete the iMessage app on iPhone or Mac.

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