Google Chrome makes it easy to switch between multiple Google accounts. This can be considered a great feature by Google. Yes, that’s true, but it has limitations. For example, you cannot individually remove an account or change the default account with one click. So, how to change the default account in Chrome and what does the default account mean?
You must have noticed that when you open any Google product site from the Chrome browser on your computer, it always logs you in with a specific account. This account is called the default account. If you’re signed in with your work and personal accounts, you might want to change the default account.
Let’s see how to do this and also understand the default accounts in detail.
What is the Default Account in Chrome?
The first impression of Google Chrome is very important and often overlooked. Gmail, Google Drive, Photos, etc. from Chrome. Whichever Google account you use to sign in to any Google service, like Google services, this will be your default account for Google services and Chrome. However, the Chrome sync feature will be turned off unless you enable it manually.
Another way for Chrome to default a Google account is to set up Chrome’s sign-in feature.
Now, when a Google account is defaulted, anything you search on Google will be considered activity for that account. Also, when you open any Google service, the default account will log into it.
For example, if you open Gmail or Google Photos in your browser, you will be redirected to the default account. To use the service from another account, you will need to switch accounts. Even if you switch accounts, browsing and search history will be linked to the default account.
Fly: Learn how to remove Google search history everywhere.
How to Set Default Account
Open any Google website like Gmail, Drive, Photos or even Google homepage. Click on the profile icon at the top. A list of signed-in Google accounts will appear. You will see the text Default indicated next to the Default account.
Note: If you’re signed in to your Default account, you won’t see the Default label. The sticker will appear when you switch to a different Google account.
How to Change Default Account in Chrome
Chrome does not offer a dedicated button to switch between default accounts. The process is a little twisted. You can use the following two methods to change the default account in Chrome.
Method 1: Sign Out of All Accounts
In this method, you need to sign out of all Google accounts signed into Chrome. Next, sign in first with the account you want to make the default, then with the other accounts.
Here are the detailed steps:
Stage 1: Open Gmail or another Google website in Chrome.
Step 2: Click on the profile picture icon at the top. Click Sign out of all accounts.
Stage 3: The page that opens when you sign out depends on whether you’re signed in to Chrome or not.
Case 1: Chrome Sync Disabled
If you are not signed in to Chrome, you will be taken to the login screen where your previous accounts are listed here. Or the page will reload and you will see the Sign in button at the top. Clicking Sign in will take you to the login screen where you will see your Google accounts.
Click the Google account you want to make the default. Enter your login information and sign in. Then sign in with other Google Accounts.
Pro Tip: If you want to remove a single Google account, click the Remove account button.
Case 2: Chrome Sync On
If you have enabled the sync feature for Chrome, you will be taken to the ‘Sync paused’ screen. Here you will have two options: Continue and sign in again. Click Continue instead of Signing in again because you want to change your default account.
Then open Gmail or another Google service and click the sign in button. All previously logged in accounts will appear. Log in with the account you want to make default and then other accounts.
You might be wondering what happens if you sign in to Google with a different account instead of the account registered with Chrome’s sync feature. This works without any issues. Chrome can save your bookmarks, passwords etc using the password manager. syncs with the old account. But your default account for Google sites will be changed
In the screenshot below, you can see that the Chrome and Google accounts are different.
Method 2: Turn off Sync in Chrome
In this method, you will need to sign out of Chrome sync. Here are the steps:
Stage 1: Launch Chrome and click on the three dots icon at the top. Select Settings from the menu.
Step 2: Click the close button. If it is missing, click Sync and Google services, then click Close.
A confirmation popup will appear. Click Close to confirm.
You will be signed out of all Google accounts. Now sign in using the account that should be your default.
Bonus Tip: Unlink Chrome and Google Accounts
If you want to sign in to Google sites without signing into Chrome, you can unlink the two. For that go to Chrome Settings. Click on Sync and Google services.
Turn off the switch next to Allow sign in to Chrome. Read our post on why you should disable Allow sign in to Chrome.
Try Chrome Profiles
Adding and switching between multiple personal Google accounts is not a problem in Chrome. However, if you do share your browser with others, we recommend using a different Chrome profile rather than changing your default account. This way your bookmarks, passwords etc. will be kept separately for each user. If someone wants to use your browser once, open a guest profile for them.
Next: Does guest mode in Chrome sound interesting? Use the next link to learn how it differs from incognito mode.
