Skip to content

logout MacOS command

Logging out of your MacOS system is essential for security and privacy. By using the logout command, you can quickly and efficiently sign out of your account, ensuring that your data remains safe. This command is especially useful in shared environments or when you need to switch between multiple accounts. The logout command is easy to use and can be executed from the terminal or through a keyboard shortcut. It is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you stay organized and protect your information. Mastering the MacOS logout command will enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow.

Terminal window
logout
OptionDescription
-hLogs out the current user and displays a shutdown dialog.
-qLogs out the current user without confirmation.
-wLogs out the current user without confirmation but waits until all processes have quit.
-lLogs out the current user and goes to the login window.

None

Terminal window
logout

Logs out the current user from the macOS terminal session.

Force logout the current user with a message

Section titled “Force logout the current user with a message”
Terminal window
logout -m "Force logout for system maintenance"

Forces the current user to log out with a specified logout message for system maintenance.

Terminal window
sudo logout -a

Logs out all users except the root user from the macOS system.

Terminal window
logout -t 60

Initiates a logout after a 60-second countdown on the terminal screen.

Terminal window
logout -q

Performs a logout without displaying any confirmation prompts or messages.

Terminal window
logout username

Logs out a specific user by their username from the macOS terminal.

To use the logout command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
logout

Can I force log out all users in MacOS using the logout command?

Section titled “Can I force log out all users in MacOS using the logout command?”

Yes, you can force log out all users in MacOS by using the following command:

Terminal window
sudo pkill -KILL -u USERNAME

How can I log out a specific user in MacOS through the command line?

Section titled “How can I log out a specific user in MacOS through the command line?”

To log out a specific user in MacOS via the command line, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
sudo pkill -KILL -u USERNAME

Is there a way to schedule a log out at a specific time on MacOS using the logout command?

Section titled “Is there a way to schedule a log out at a specific time on MacOS using the logout command?”

Yes, you can schedule a log out at a specific time on MacOS by using the following command:

Terminal window
sudo shutdown -h +5

How can I log out of a remote SSH session in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I log out of a remote SSH session in MacOS?”

To log out of a remote SSH session in MacOS, simply use the following command:

Terminal window
exit

Can I log out of the MacOS Terminal without closing the application?

Section titled “Can I log out of the MacOS Terminal without closing the application?”

Yes, you can log out of the MacOS Terminal without closing the application by using the following command:

Terminal window
exit

How do I log out and shut down the computer in MacOS using the command line?

Section titled “How do I log out and shut down the computer in MacOS using the command line?”

To log out and shut down the computer in MacOS using the command line, execute the following command:

Terminal window
sudo shutdown -h now

When I log out using the command line, will all my applications and files be closed?

Section titled “When I log out using the command line, will all my applications and files be closed?”

Yes, when you log out using the command line in MacOS, all your applications and files will be closed.

  • To switch between user accounts
  • To exit a user session without shutting down the computer
  • To reset system preferences
  • To resolve system errors
  • To quickly log out and secure the user’s session