Are you tired of switching from an old Gmail account every time you log in? We can show you how to change your default Google account in a few simple steps.
On Desktop
Step 1: Open your preferred browser and visit Google. Click the profile icon at the top right.
Step 2: Select Sign out of all accounts to pause syncing.
Step 3: Sign in with the preferred default account. Choose from existing accounts or add a new one using Use another account.
This account is now your default Google account for all Google services like Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs and Google Drive.
Sign out of all accounts to set the default one.
How To Set a Secondary Gmail Account
Once you’ve settled on your go-to Gmail sidekick, the magic of seamless account shuffling awaits. It’s time to weave those extra Gmail accounts into your chosen default, and it’s as easy as a four-step cha-cha:
Step 1: Begin by clicking on the profile image icon located in the top right corner of your screen.
Step 2: Select Add another account from the presented options.
Step 3: Make your choice by selecting the desired account to integrate, or you can hit Use another account.
Step 4: Complete the process by signing in and tapping Next.
And there you have it — your secondary account is now seamlessly linked to your fresh default account. To view your default Gmail account, a simple click on your profile picture (again, located in the top right corner of your screen) does the trick.
A Friendly Reminder: If you ever decide to shake things up and change your default Gmail account, signing out from all accounts is the key. The first account you log into becomes your new default.
On Mobile
If you’re on the go and looking to change your default account, here’s how:
In the following steps, we’ll break down the process for Android and iPhone users.
Android
Step 1: Open your browser and go to gmail.com.
Step 2: Tap on the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner.
Step 3: Click on the dropdown menu at the top that shows your current default account and select your email.
Step 4: Select Manage accounts on this device.
Step 5: Click Sign out.
Step 6: Log in again using the credentials you wish to default.
Quick Tip: The first account you sign into is automatically your default, so if you sign out of all your accounts and then back into your preferred default first — you’re all set!
iPhone
Step 1: Access the Settings application on your device.
Step 2: Locate and tap on the Gmail option within the settings menu.
Step 3: Then select the option Default Mail App.
Step 4: Pick from the list of available Gmail accounts and choose your new default.
Voila! Future emails sent from your iPhone or iPad’s Mail app will bear the badge of the freshly anointed Gmail account.
Verify
After following the above steps, any Google app you open will default to your new primary account.
Another way to know which primary account you’re in is to look at the URL string in the browser navigation bar. If you see authuser=0, then that is your primary account. The value for your secondary accounts starts at one and increases from there.
Bonus Tips
- Use distinct profile pictures for each Google account to easily see which account you’re in at a glance.
- For temporary access to an account other than your default account, sign in using the browser’s incognito mode. To quickly open an incognito window in Chrome or Microsoft Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + N and for Firefox, press Ctrl + Shift + P.
- Chrome users can use an extension like SessionBox to use different Google sign-ins to log in to websites.
- Enable two-factor authentication to strengthen the security of your Google accounts.
FAQs
What happens when I change my default Google account?
Changing your default Google account alters which account is automatically signed in when using Google services and apps. Your other accounts remain accessible, and you can still switch between them. It affects initial sign-ins and app behavior but doesn’t impact data in your other accounts.
Can I change my default Google account without signing out of other accounts?
No, you can’t change your default Google account without signing out of all other accounts first. The first signed-in account automatically becomes the default.
Can I still access my other Google accounts after changing the default?
Yes, absolutely. Changing your default Google account doesn’t restrict access to your other accounts. All of your Google accounts will remain accessible, and you can switch between them as needed.
The default account setting primarily determines which account is automatically used when you sign in to Google services or access certain apps.
You can easily switch between your accounts by clicking on your profile picture and selecting the desired account, allowing you to continue using all your accounts seamlessly.
Can I have multiple Google accounts and switch between them?
Yes. Follow the steps mentioned above to set your preferred account as the default. You can then access other accounts by clicking on your profile picture and selecting the desired account.
How do I remove a Google account from being the default?
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open a Google service (like Gmail or Google Drive) while signed in with the account you want to remove as default.
Step 2: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select Manage accounts on this device.
Step 4: Click on Set as default next to a different account.
Will changing the default account affect my Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) account?
No, changing the default Google account won’t affect your Google Workspace account. Your Google Workspace account is separate from your personal Google accounts. Changing the default account primarily impacts personal Google services and apps, while your Google Workspace services remain unaffected.
Why is my Google account no longer listed?
Sometimes, this happens when you’re signed into multiple accounts on your browser. At the top right, click on the account profile.
From there, you can see your default account and other profiles. If you don’t see the account you’re looking for on this menu, click Add Account. Once the new tab opens, you can sign back in.
My Google Account is gone. What can I do?
This can vary depending on the situation. Generally, you can follow the steps here to recover your Google Account.
How can I stop getting so many Google notifications?
For Gmail Notifications
On Android:
To turn notifications off:
Step 1: Launch the Gmail app.
Step 2: Click the hamburger icon menu (at the top left).
Step 3: Press Settings.
Step 4: Choose your account.
Step 5: Click Email notifications and None.
To get notified for high-priority emails only:
Step 1: Open the Gmail app.
Step 2: Tap Menu > Settings.
Step 3: Select your account.
Step 4: Choose Email notifications and pick High priority only.
On iPhone:
To turn notifications off:
Step 1: Launch the Gmail app.
Step 2: Click the hamburger icon menu (at the top left).
Step 3: From the menu, click Settings.
Step 4: Locate Notifications, press Email Notifications.
Step 5: Choose None, then press Done.
You also have the option to choose notifications for All New Mail, Primary only or High priority only.
To get notified for high priority emails only:
Step 1: Open Gmail.
Step 2: At the top left, tap the hamburger icon menu and then tap Settings.
Step 3: Under Notifications, press Email notifications and then select High priority only.
Follow the steps here to manage your Google New notifications (there is a tab to the right for iPhone or iPad users, and the main tab is for Android users).
Why does it say ‘couldn’t find your Google account’ when I try to log in?
A typo in your email can cause this issue. If you’re not sure what your email is, use the Forgotten Email option below at sign it, and it’ll prompt you to type your phone number or different email to recover the account.
In some cases, you may be able to answer verification questions to access the account.
If you need further assistance, head over to Google’s get help signing in page.
How do I sign out of my Google Account?
Click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the page. In the dropdown menu, click on Sign out or Sign out of all accounts.
Will I lose everything if I delete an old Gmail account?
Deleting your Google account typically results in losing all associated data (emails, files, photos) and any information stored within it.
Google usually provides an option to download your data before deleting an account.
I have an account tied to a school, but when I try logging in, I get redirected to the school website. How can I change this?
Try clearing your browser history, including cookies and cache, then log in directly on Google’s main website.
Next Steps
Changing your default Google account might seem tricky at first, but the process is pretty simple and similar for all browsers on any device.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about managing your Google accounts, check out our article on how to delete your Google account.
Did you find this guide helpful? Do you have any other tips on how to change your default Google account? Let us know in the comments!