WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps available for iPhone. It allows you to easily connect with friends, family, coworkers, and more through messaging, voice calls, and video calls. While WhatsApp makes staying connected incredibly convenient, there may be times when you want to log out of the app on your iPhone.
Why Log Out of WhatsApp?
Here are some common reasons you may want to log out of WhatsApp on your iPhone:
- Privacy – Logging out prevents others from accessing your WhatsApp if they get ahold of your phone.
- Switch Accounts – You can log out of one account and log back in with a different account.
- Troubleshooting – Logging out and back in can help resolve issues with the app.
- Storage – Logging out frees up storage space since it deletes cached data.
How to Log Out of WhatsApp on iPhone
Logging out of WhatsApp is easy and only takes a few steps. Here are the options for logging out on iPhone:
Via WhatsApp Settings
The easiest way to log out of WhatsApp on iPhone is through the WhatsApp settings menu:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Settings tab at the bottom right.
- Go to Account > Log Out.
- Confirm you want to log out by tapping Log Out in the popup.
By Switching Accounts
If you want to log out of one WhatsApp account and into another, you can do so right in WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Settings tab.
- Go to Account > Log Out.
- Tap Log Out to confirm.
- Enter the phone number for your other account.
- Verify the account and you’ll be logged in to the new account.
Via iPhone Settings
You can also log out of WhatsApp by removing it from your iPhone in the Settings app:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on WhatsApp.
- Tap on Delete App.
- Confirm by tapping Delete App again.
This will delete WhatsApp from your iPhone entirely. To log back in, you’ll have to redownload and install the app from the App Store and verify your phone number again.
What Happens When You Log Out of WhatsApp on iPhone
Here’s what happens when you log out of WhatsApp on your iPhone:
- You’ll be logged out of WhatsApp across all devices.
- Your messages and call history will be deleted from your phone.
- Your profile photo will be deleted.
- All pending invites you’ve sent will be cancelled.
- You’ll have to verify your phone number again next time you log in.
Importantly, when you log out, your messages will still be available on the phones of anyone you’ve chatted with. And your contacts’ phones will still store your profile photo and have your number.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Logout Issues
In most cases, logging out of WhatsApp on your iPhone is quick and painless. But occasionally, you may encounter issues that prevent you from logging out normally.
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common WhatsApp logout problems:
Can’t Access WhatsApp Settings
If WhatsApp crashes or you can’t open the app to access Settings and log out, try force quitting the app and restarting your iPhone. To force quit, double click the Home button and swipe up on WhatsApp to close it.
Stuck on Verifying Phone Number
If WhatsApp gets stuck trying to verify your phone number on login, close the app and try toggling Airplane mode on and off to reset the connection. Check for app updates as well.
WhatsApp Not Showing Up in Settings
If WhatsApp is missing from your iPhone Settings, open the App Store and check for any available updates. Make sure you’ve got the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
Can’t Receive SMS or Calls
To receive the verification SMS or call when logging back into WhatsApp, make sure your phone has cellular reception or can connect to WiFi for calls. If issues persist, contact your carrier.
WhatsApp Not Deleted from iPhone
If WhatsApp won’t delete from your iPhone when you try to remove it, try rebooting your device and check for any pending updates. You may need to delete the app manually by holding down on the icon until it starts jiggling, then tapping the X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting WhatsApp delete my messages?
When you delete WhatsApp from your iPhone, it deletes all of your local messages and call history. But messages you sent to other people will still be on their phones.
Can I recover my messages after logging out?
Unfortunately no, logging out deletes all your local WhatsApp data like messages, photos, and videos. Your only option is to ask the people you chatted with to send you messages again.
Will my contacts still see my profile picture if I log out?
Yes, when you log out your profile photo and phone number will still be visible in your contacts’ address books. But your “last seen” status will no longer update.
What happens to my WhatsApp backup if I log out?
Your WhatsApp backups in iCloud will remain unchanged when you log out. So when logging back in, you can restore your messages as long as you didn’t delete the app.
Can someone else log into my WhatsApp if I’m logged out?
No, without access to your phone and verification code, other people can’t log into your WhatsApp account when you’re logged out.
Conclusion
Logging out of WhatsApp on your iPhone is a quick and straightforward process via the WhatsApp Settings menu. It allows you to secure your account, switch between accounts, free up space, and troubleshoot issues. Just remember that logging out deletes your local messages, so be sure to backup your chats if you need them. Following the steps outlined, you can cleanly log out of WhatsApp and enjoy more control over account security and privacy.