How to change your default Google account on Android

If you’re using an Android phone or tablet, you know that your Google account is tightly integrated with the user experience. The default account determines how you are signed in to many apps, especially Google Apps. We’ll show you how to change that.

While adding multiple Google accounts to your Android device is easy, setting one as the “default” account is cumbersome. The default account is the one you signed in to when you first set up your device. That is, in order to change it, you need to sign out of accounts.

For example, suppose you are signed in to two Google Accounts on your Android device. First, you need to log out of the current standard account. This will upgrade the second account to the default seat and you will be able to log in to the first account again. Let’s do this.

First swipe down from the top of the screen of your Android smartphone or tablet (once or twice depending on the manufacturer) and then tap on the gear icon to open the “Settings” menu.

Scroll down the Settings list and select Google.

Your default Google account will be listed at the top of the screen. Select the drop-down arrow icon under your name to bring up the list of accounts.

Then tap on “Manage accounts on this device”.

You will now see a list of all accounts that you are logged into on your device. Find and select your default Google Account.

Tap Remove Account.

It is important to note that removing the account will erase all messages, contacts, and other related data found on your Android phone or tablet. Fortunately, some of this data is backed up in your account and restored when you sign in again.

In the confirmation pop-up message, tap “Remove Account” if you’re OK.

The account is removed from the list and your device. Tap the back arrow in the top left corner to return to Google Settings.

Select the drop-down arrow icon next to your name again to open the accounts list. This time tap on “Add Another Account”.

After confirming it’s you with your fingerprint or password, a Google sign-in page will appear. Follow the steps on the screen and enter your credentials for the account you want to add.

It may take a few minutes for your account to be imported. Once it’s done, you’ll have a new default Google account on your Android smartphone or tablet!