A person can have more than one Gmail account logged in web or mobile phone. The default Gmail account is the primary email address linked to a user’s Google services. It’s the account Google uses as the default when accessing various services like Gmail, Google Drive, and YouTube. Changing the default account allows users to manage their online activities more effectively.
Need to Set Default Gmail Account
Having multiple Gmail accounts used on various devices and at times? Changing the default account can be useful. Set a default account for each device you use often for seamless access. If you manage work and personal accounts, changing defaults can boost productivity. This helps you manage time better by focusing on the task at hand. On personal devices, switching the default can help separate work and personal life, letting you relax after a busy day.
- Easy Access: Setting a default Gmail account makes accessing Gmail and other Google services faster.
- One Account for Each Device: One can easily choose which Gmail to use on different devices, so there’s no need to switch accounts all the time.
- Work and Personal Life Separation: If a person has a different Gmail account for work and another for personal use, changing the default helps keep them apart.
- Focus on Tasks: Helps in concentrating on important tasks, like during work hours, this ensures work emails come first.
- Balance in Life: On personal devices, changing the default allows you to relax after work without work-related emails interrupting your time.
How to Change Your Default Gmail Account on a Computer
A person can sign in to multiple accounts on Google Accounts, but while using any Google services like, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, etc., this will automatically open with the default Gmail account that is set.
Google set the first account signed in as the Default Account and this happens the same on mobile devices as well along with the other apps.
Step 1: Check your Default Account
Visit Google’s website and click the profile icon in the top-right corner. Look at the list of Google accounts that are logged in. If one doesn’t say ‘Default’ next to it, that means Gmail is already using the default account.
Step 2: Sign Out of All Accounts
Go to google.com in a web browser click the profile icon and select Sign Out of All Accounts from the menu. If you were signed in to Google Chrome, a message will say syncing is paused. Click Continue.
Step 3: Sign Back In
Click on the Sign In option on the Google homepage, and a list of previously signed-in accounts with Signed Out next to them will be shown. Choose the account that you want to set as the default or click Use Another Account to sign in with a new one.
How to Change Your Default Gmail Account on Android
Step 1: Access Google Settings on Mobile
Swipe down from the top of your Android device’s screen (once or twice, depending on the manufacturer) and tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Scroll down within the Settings menu and find the Google option. The default Google account appears at the top and to check the list of Gmail accounts signed in your devices, tap on the arrow button on the right side of the name or beneath.
Step 2: Remove Default Account
Find the default Google account in the list, click on that, and Tap Remove Account.
Step 3: Confirmation and Data Warning
Confirm the removal of the pop-up message. Note that removing the account deletes associated data but some data is backed up and restored upon signing in.
Step 4: Sign-In to New Google Account
Return to the Google settings by tapping the back arrow and clicking on Add Another Account. Verify your identity with a fingerprint or password then follow the on-screen instructions to sign in with the account you want to set as the new default.
Wait a few minutes for your account to import. After finishing, a new default Google account on your Android device.
How to Change Your Default Gmail Account on iPhone-Quick Tip
You can change your Gmail account on your iPhone only when you have multiple accounts logged in Gmail.
Step 1: Open the Gmail App
Launch the Gmail app on your iPhone. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the App Store and sign in with the account that is currently set as default.
Click on the Gmail App
Step 2: Click on the Account Icon
Go to the Account Icon present at the top right corner of the page.
Click on the Account Icon
Step 3: Choose and Click on the Gmail Account you want to Set as Default
You can now select the Gmail Account which you want to set as Default.
Select your Default Account
Step 4: Your Account has been Set as Default
Your Gmail account has been set as Default.
Default Account Changes
How to Change a Default Gmail Account
Setting the default Gmail account occurs during the initial setup, designating one Gmail account as the primary. Changing the default Gmail account involves switching to a different primary Gmail account after the initial setup, useful when multiple accounts need to be managed without reconfiguration.
Incognito Mode – A Temporary Solution
Incognito mode offers a temporary way to switch to another Gmail account quickly. This is particularly useful for accessing a different account without making any changes to the default settings.
While using a web browser (Chrome) in incognito or private browsing mode, the browser does not retain any memory of your prior logins or default configurations. In this mode, users can log in with an alternative Gmail account without any impact on the default account set. However, this change is temporary and applies only to the ongoing incognito browsing session.
How To Add Secondary Google Accounts To Default Accounts
Step 1: Open Google Account Settings
On your browser or Gmail application on your device select the default account which is already signed in and then click on the profile icon (this will open the menu of all the accounts which are already logged in) and select Manage your Google Account or Data and Personalization to access account settings
Step 2: Access Personal Info
Under the personal info & privacy section, click on Your personal info, then scroll down to the Email section.
Step 3: Add and Verify the Secondary Account
Now, under the Alternate emails section click on Advanced then click on Add Alternated email.
Enter the email address of the alternate email account that you wish to add.
Follow the prompts to verify the ownership of the secondary account.
Remember: You can add any other account which is not a Gmail account , and it should not be linked with any other Gmail account at the same time.
Conclusion
Changing the default Gmail account is a valuable feature that enhances user convenience and productivity. By setting a default account on various devices or reordering Gmail accounts, users can set their access to Google services, also, accessing Google Account settings provides a more tailored approach. Temporary solutions like incognito mode offer easy switching between accounts without changing default settings. Whether for work-life separation or efficient task management, these methods are helpful for users to customize their Gmail experience effectively.
FAQs
1. How can I find out what my default Google account is?
To find default Google account, go to Google Account settings in any device. The account listed at the top under Your data in Google services is the default account, it will be written on the right side or bottom of the Gmail account as well when you do this on computer.
2. Is it possible to change my default Gmail account without logging out of all accounts?
To change Gmail account it requires signing out of all the accounts as Google sets the first logged in account as the default account.
3. Can I have 2 default Gmail accounts?
A user can’t have two default Gmail accounts simultaneously because Google allows only one default account at a time. The default account is the one you sign in with first.
4. What happens if I delete my default Gmail account?
If you delete your default Gmail account, you will need to set another account as the default. This might require signing out of all your accounts and signing in with the desired account first to make it the new default. But after deleting the default Gmail account google will set the second Google account signed in the Gmail default account .
5. How many times can I change my Google default account?
You can change your default Google account as many times as you want. You can do this by signing out of all your accounts and then signing in with the account you want to set as the default. There is no specific limit to how often you can make this change.