How to Change the Default Google Account

You probably have multiple Google accounts. Each one allows you to use each Google service. But what if you want to change your default Google account or Gmail? Unfortunately, Google doesn’t give us a simple ‘Default account’ option. When you open any Google service, such as Gmail or Google Docs, you’re already signed into one account. Then, you must switch to the one you use most often.

However, you can follow the steps we’ve outlined below to prioritize one account over the others. You can also switch accounts to change your default Gmail by switching to the default Google account. Let’s get started.

How to Change the Default Google Account on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook

Whether you are a Windows, Chromebook, or Mac user, you will be happy to know that things work the same on all platforms. This is because you access Google via a browser on all systems. Google always opens new windows using your default account. Google also assigns the first login as the default, which is why you must sign out of all accounts first. Here’s how to change your default Google account that also changes your default Gmail on Windows or Mac PCs.

1. Open your browser of choice, head to Google.com, then click on your profile icon in the top-right section.
   Note: You do need to go to the Google Home page for these steps.
   
   
   
2. Select “Sign out of all accounts.”
   
   
   
3. Your profile icon disappears. Click on “Sign in,” where your profile icon is shown.
   
   
   
4. Log into your chosen default Google account. You may see a list of Google accounts, or you may need to type one by clicking on “Add account.”
   
   

After completing the steps above, your default Google account should open with every new window, and opening Gmail should also bring up your default Gmail.

If you select a different account in the same window, your first login account usually shows as Default in the list of accounts. This feature helps identify the current default profile.

For Gmail, click the correct profile in the upper-right section, then click “Gmail.” Google will load the currently selected profile’s email account page. Of course, if you are now on the default Google account, it will load the default Gmail account.

How to Change the Default Google Account on Mobile

Unfortunately, managing your Google account using the Mobile app is problematic. Not all options are there, and you might have trouble choosing the default account for the device. Therefore, it is recommended that you use the Google Chrome app to change your default Google account. This method follows the same instructions as above for Windows and Mac systems.

Follow the instructions below if you want to change your default Google account or Gmail using the Chrome Gmail page.

1. Open Chrome and go to mail.gmail.com, then tap on the horizontal ellipsis (hamburger icon) in the upper-left section.
   
   
   
2. Tap on the dropdown menu at the top to see the current default Gmail account.
   
   
   
3. Select “Manage your Google Account.”
   
   
   
4. Tap on “Sign Out,” then start from scratch and sign in with the account you want to use as default.
   
   

How to Change Default Gmail on iOS

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps to change your default Gmail account:

1. Open Settings and tap on Mail.
2. Scroll to the bottom and select Default account.
3. Select the email account you wish to send your emails from automatically.

Now, whenever you send an email on your iPad or iPhone, it will come from that address.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section includes the answers to more questions you may have about your default Google account.

Why change the default Google account?

For one, you are probably less than excited that your device keeps logging you into a mail account you do not use too often, no matter how many times you switch to your desired Gmail account. Making another account the default can be a huge relief.

Then, there is the aspect of different devices. Let us say that you have a work computer and a home computer. You probably want your home Gmail when using your home PC, and you probably don’t want your work computer signing you into your home Gmail. Then again, you might need to access your work Gmail from your personal computer and vice-versa. Assigning different Gmails as default for each device is essential.

Can I change the default Google account without logging out of all accounts?

Unfortunately, there is no way to change your default Google account or Gmail account without signing out of all profiles. The first profile you log into is the only way to select the default Gmail account. Of course, you will then have to log into all the other Google/Gmail accounts that you want available on your device.

How do you switch between Google accounts?

To quickly switch between Gmail accounts:

1. Click your profile icon.

2. Select the Google account you want to view, and head over to Gmail if that’s what you want.

You can also choose other Google services using the app menu to the left of your profile icon. When you finish and close the browser window, Google Chrome (or any other browser) will still launch with the default the next time you open it.

How many Google Accounts can I have?

You can have as many Google accounts, or even Gmail accounts as you wish. There is currently no limit in place. However, the more accounts you have, the more complicated things get.

These days, email is not just for correspondence; it gets used for receiving subscriptions, special offers, sites that require an email, and more. It is certainly beneficial to separate some emails from others by using separate Google accounts. Then, viewing specific account data (emails, subscriptions, settings, etc.) is as easy as clicking a different profile.

Can I have two Gmail accounts with the same phone number?

For security purposes, Gmail accounts are often associated with phone numbers, along with Google and non-Google email addresses. Although each of your Gmail accounts will have a different address, you can associate all of them with the same phone number.

How do I change the default Gmail account on a Mac?

If you’re using a Mac, you may become frustrated with the default email because you’ll often notice you sent one from the wrong account. Fortunately, you can change your default Gmail. Here’s what to do:

1. Open the Mail app on your Mac and click Mail at the top. Then, click Preferences.

2. Click on Composing and select the email from which you want to send messages in the dropdown menu.

Whenever you send an email, it will automatically send it from that address.

Wrapping Up

After reviewing the above processes to change your default Google account, there is one thing you need to understand about browsers. As long as you are not changing the browser’s settings, the process is the same across all browsers. Therefore, changing any Gmail or Google account settings using Firefox, Safari, Opera, or any other browser on any device is done the same way you would do it in Chrome.

Not only is changing the default Gmail account on your devices easy and straightforward, but you can set different default Gmail accounts across your devices. Do you have any tips, tricks, experiences, or questions related to setting a default Gmail account? Leave a comment in the section below.