To change your default Google account, you must understand that the first account you sign into during a browser session or set up on a device becomes the primary account. The most reliable way to change this default is to sign out of all your Google accounts on a desktop browser and then sign back in with the account you want as the new default first.
How to change your default Google account on a desktop browser
Your default Google account in a browser session is determined by the first Google account you sign into during that session. To change it, you must first sign out of all your Google accounts. After signing out of all accounts, sign in with the Google account you wish to set as your new default account first. You can then sign in to any other Google accounts, and they will be accessible, but the first one logged in will remain the default for that session.
How to change your default Google account on Android
On Android devices, the default account is whichever account you first sign in to your device. To change the default Google account on Android, you have to unlink and delete the first account from your device. Your second linked account will then be promoted to the default account if you have one. This device-level method of removing and re-adding Google accounts in the Android Settings menu influences the default account for system services.
How to delete a linked Google account on Android
- Go to the Settings menu either by pressing on its home screen icon or by pulling down the notifications bar and clicking on the gear.
- Scroll down to the Accounts & Sync or Accounts section and select it.
- Choose the Google Account you want to delete. Make sure it is the correct one if you have multiple.
- Click on the Delete or Remove Account option.
- Proceed when the second and third confirmation prompts come up. You will have to pass a fingerprint or pattern lock if you have those security settings enabled on your phone.
This process is essential for phone troubleshooting and reset scenarios where you need to clear out account conflicts.
How to link a new Google account on Android
If you do not have multiple accounts signed in to your phone, you will have to link in a new default Google account for your apps and services to work.
- Scroll down to the Accounts & Sync section and select it.
- Click the Add Account option.
- Select the Google icon.
- Fill in the Google Account details and click next.
- If successful, you will see the new account on the Accounts & Sync page.
What can go wrong when changing your default Google account
Several important and useful apps need a linked Google Account to fully work, including the Google Play Store, Google Pay, Google Workspace apps, YouTube, Google Chrome, and many connected third-party apps. Your bought games and apps are linked to specific Google Accounts on the Google Play Store, meaning you might lose access to accounts and settings on some downloaded games. Other Play Store items like eBooks and movies would also be inaccessible if the Google Account they're on isn't linked on Android. Your money stored on Google Pay would also be locked off without the original account linked to it. The Google Workspace, a group of apps including Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Meet, Google Keep, and Google Vault, relies on the linked Google Account to work. Lack of a Google Drive backup protecting app data, contacts, calendar, Google Assistant, and other account-specific settings is a major problem when not having a linked account. Apps and services that use Google Accounts for single sign-on authentication might also have problems, potentially losing all progress on games tied to your previous default Google account. Note that a recent update regarding Google Chrome on iOS loses 'do not track' feature settings when accounts are changed or removed, so proceed with caution.
How to switch between Google accounts in apps
Generally, Google apps have a similar interface that allows you to switch between accounts easily for that app without changing the system default. You can find your account icon on the upper right side of most Google programs like Play Store, YouTube, Google Chrome, and Google Workspace apps. Clicking the icon shows a selection prompt with a drop-down arrow on the right side. All of your Android-linked apps will show up in the drop-down list, and you can select which one you would like to use for that app.
Things to remember when switching accounts
Remember that app settings and bought items are linked to specific Google Accounts. You might not be able to access or use them without having those as the app's default account. If your goal is to separate work and personal Google Accounts, remember to turn off account sync. You can access these options by clicking on the Google Account on the Accounts & Sync menu. Be careful about which apps and sites you link to your Google Account, as some sites are more vulnerable to hacking than others. You can look at Google's overview of your account on the My Account page. If enabled, your Google Account also keeps track of passwords and other potential security problems you might face.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Google accounts can I have on one Android device?
There are no limits to how many accounts you can link to your Android device. However, you must be careful about which account you are using when accessing Google apps and services, as purchases and settings are tied to specific accounts.
Will I lose my app data if I remove my default Google account?
Yes, you may lose app data, game progress, and settings tied to that specific account if it is removed from your device. This includes data backed up to Google Drive, contacts, calendar events, and Google Assistant settings.
Can I change my default Google account without deleting the old one?
On a desktop browser, you can change the default by signing out of all accounts and signing back in with your preferred account first. On Android, the only reliable method is to remove the current default account and re-add it after your preferred account is already signed in.
What happens to my Google Pay balance if I change my default account?
Your Google Pay balance and payment methods are tied to the specific Google Account you used to set them up. If you remove or change your default account, you will lose access to that balance until you sign back in with the original account.
Does changing my default Google account affect my Google Workspace apps?
Yes, all Google Workspace apps including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Meet rely on the linked Google Account. Changing your default account may prevent you from accessing emails, documents, and other data associated with the previous account.
