Being able to receive and send messages from your Mac is pretty convenient, especially if you’re in front of your computer’s screen most of the time.
However, a constant stream of messages and notifications can be a little bit distracting. That’s one of the reasons why you should learn how to turn off or disable iMessage on your MacBook.
As you might have already known, iMessage is made possible through your Apple ID. In fact, that’s the key to every service Apple offers.
Turn Off iMessage By Signing Out
The first procedure you can use to turn off iMessage is by signing out of your Apple ID.
This is kind of “permanent” way to prevent iMessage from popping up on your MacBook. But doing so will also disable most of the Apple services you might already be enjoying.
So it’s all up to you if you want to use it. Here’s how it’s done though:
Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
Step 2: Click System preferences.
Step 3: Click Apple ID and click Overview.
Step 4: Click Sign Out at the bottom of the window.
Step 5: Choose the stuff you want to keep a copy of, and then enter your Apple ID password to confirm you really want to sign out of your account.
Once you’ve successfully logged out, you will no longer see the iMessage notifications.
Sign Out of iMessage on MacBook
Since most of the good services Apple offers are tied to your Apple ID, perhaps you simply want to remain signed in with your Apple account but signed out of your iMessage account.
You can definitely do that and that’s the procedure we often recommend as it makes it easier to enable iMessage again in the future.
Here’s how you do that:
Step 1: Click the Launchpad on the Dock.
Step 2: Look for and open Messages app.
Step 3: Click Messages on the Menu bar located at the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 4: Select Preferences.
Step 5: Click the iMessage tab and select Settings if it’s not selected yet.
Step 6: Un-check the box next to Enable Messages in iCloud.
Doing so will disable Messages in iCloud so your MacBook will no longer sync with your iCloud account.
Step 7: Click Sign Out to disable iMessage on a Mac.
This will prevent your computer from receiving iMessages. So continue with this procedure if that’s what you really want.
But bear in mind that you’ll still be able to receive text messages in your other Apple devices. Doing this procedure will only exempt your MacBook from messaging.
As an owner, you should determine what you really want. Perhaps, you simply want to disable notifications so you won’t be disturbed.
But if you really want to disable the iMessage service then choose from the procedures above.