iMessage is a handy messaging service unique to Apple devices. It's packed with great features that allow you to do lots beyond messaging. Not only that, but syncing your messages across all your Apple devices makes life convenient, preventing you from missing important messages.

However, turning iMessages off may be ideal if you're sharing your device with another person and want to keep your messages private. The same is true if the constant pings hinder your productivity, or if you're not a fan of iMessage and regular texting or third-party services work better for you.

If that's the case, here's how to disable iMessage on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone.

How to Turn Off iMessage on a Mac

Constantly receiving iMessage notifications on your Mac can be annoying. However, instead of turning your iMessage off, you may want to turn off iMessage's notifications on your Mac instead so you can still check your messages when you want to.

If muting notifications isn't an option for you, you can deactivate iMessage on your Mac. Doing this disconnects messages from your Mac, which stops you from sending and receiving iMessage on your Mac. To do this:

  1. Open Messages on your Mac.
  2. Go to the menu bar. Click Messages > Preferences.
  3. Select the iMessage tab. For Macs with macOS Catalina or earlier, choose Accounts.
  4. Click Sign Out beside the Apple ID associated with your iMessage.
Sign Out on iMessage on Mac

Doing this signs you out of iMessage and stops you from receiving and sending messages from your Mac.

How to Turn Off iMessage on an iPhone or iPad

If you're wondering if it's possible to turn off iMessage on iPhone or iPad—yes, it totally is! To do this, follow these steps on your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Head to Messages.
  3. Toggle iMessage off.

Doing so will still allow you to receive SMS from people sent via Messages app. You may also still receive other media like recordings, links, images, and videos, only they will come through as an MMS instead of an iMessage.

When iMessage Is Not a Necessity

For most Apple users, iMessage is a necessary feature to be had. However, if you're not a fan, and have your trusty SMS or other third-party messaging apps working better for you, getting rid of iMessage is relatively easy to do.