How to turn off iMessage on Mac

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Imessage

Mac has the iMessage feature that allows the users to send and receive texts even when they are away from their phones. To add on that, you can sync their texts across all their iOS devices through iCloud.

However, having texts pop up on your Mac can be distracting sometimes. This is particularly true in cases where you are getting constant message notifications on Mac while you are working on something.

If you have been searching for how to stop such a distraction, then you are on the right page. This article will show you how to turn iMessage off permanently or temporarily until you get your work done.

Steps to turn iMessage off temporarily

To turn iMessage off temporarily, follow these steps:

  • Open the messages app on your Mac
  • Click on preferences in the iMessage menu
  • From the list of your accounts in the left panel, select the account you want to turn off
  • Uncheck the box next to Enable this account in the right panel

This will stop you from receiving the messages on your Mac temporarily. You can turn iMessage using the same procedure and checking the box next to Enable this account; to receive the messages again.

Read Also: How to hide alerts on iMessage

Turning iMessage off permanently

If you want to turn off iMessage on your Mac permanently, you need to sign out of your iCloud account in the Messages app. Doing this will deregister iMessage from your account and you won’t receive any messages on Mac.

To sign out of iCloud in Messages:

  • Open your iMessage app on Mac
  • Click on preferences in the iMessage menu
  • In the left pane, click on the account you want to sign out of
  • In the right pane, click on the Sign Out option next to your Apple ID
  • A pop-up message will appear reading, “Do you want to sign out of iMessage? If you sign out you will no longer be able to receive messages.” Click on Sign Out.

If you want to use iMessage on Mac again after signing out, you can add an account. To do so:

  • Open the Messages app on your Mac
  • Click on Preferences
  • In the accounts Pane, click the + which is usually at the bottom
  • Type in your Apple ID
  • Enter the password
  • If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) turned on, you will have to type the passcode and send it to your trusted device.

Turning off iMessage notifications

Sometimes, you may need to be able to send and receive messages without being distracted by the notifications. To achieve this, just turn the iMessage notifications off.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Open the Apple menu
  • Click on System and Preferences
  • Choose the Notifications pane
  • Click on messages in the left-hand sidebar
  • Click on None
  • Uncheck all the checked boxes.

After doing this, you won’t be pestered by the annoying notifications but will be able to send and receive messages.

Read Also: iMessage error occurred during authentication

Conclusion

Those are the ways to deal with the distracting iMessage notifications. I am certain that they will get your problem solved. Should you have any questions about the same, drop it in the comments section.