Sign out

When you sign out, you disconnect this device from your account. Your account and your chats remain. Read the warnings first so that you do not lose access to older messages.

Sign out on this device

In the chat list, tap your profile picture at the top left. The “Settings” open.
Scroll all the way down.
Tap the red “Sign out” (icon ).
Confirm the question “Are you sure you want to sign out?” with “Sign out”.

During the process, the app shows “Signing out…”. After that you see the start screen again.

Warning: “You’re about to lose access to your encrypted chats”

This warning appears if this device is your only signed-in device. After signing out, you then need your recovery key to read older messages again.

The app shows “Make sure you have access to your recovery key before signing out”.

What you should do:

Under “Settings” → “Encryption”, check whether key storage is turned on.
If you are unsure: create a new recovery key and write it down. See Create a new recovery key.
Only sign out after that.

Android: The warning has the buttons “Settings” (leads to the key settings) and “Sign out”.

Warning: “Your keys are still being backed up”

This warning appears if the app is still writing your keys to the chat backup. The app asks: “Please wait for this to complete before signing out.”

Wait with the app open and an internet connection until the backup is finished.
If you are offline, reconnect.

The “Sign out anyway” button signs you out immediately. Older messages may then be missing on a new device. Only use it if you have your recovery key safe or are still signed in on another device.

What is deleted when I sign out?

When you sign out, the app removes your sign-in and the data of this device. Your account, your chats and the chat backup on the server remain.

iPhone: The app also deletes the recognised texts of voice messages. The speech model for the conversion stays on the device.

Sign out a lost or other device

You sign out a device that you no longer have in your hands through your account page.

On another signed-in device, open the “Settings”.
Tap “Manage account & devices”.
On the account page you see your devices. Sign out the device in question there.

If you have no other device left, sign in on a new device and open the account page there. After a loss, also change your password on the account page to be safe.

Is signing out the same as deleting my account?

No. When you sign out, your account remains. You can sign in again at any time. How to delete your account for good is described under Delete account.