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.

Step 2: Open Preferences

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

Step 3: Sign Out

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

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.

Step 3: Go to Notifications & Focus

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

Step 4: Select Messages

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

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.

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.

Step 2: Go to the Focus Tab

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

Step 3: Activate Do Not Disturb

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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