You can link multiple Google Accounts to your main Chromebook profile so you can switch between them in Chrome and Android apps, separate from adding a whole new user (“Person”) at the login screen. Here’s how to add or remove one without a full Powerwash.
Quick answer: Go to Settings > Accounts, click Add Google Account, and sign in. To remove one, find it under “Additional accounts,” click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Remove this account. This only removes it from the Chromebook — the Google Account itself and its data are untouched.
How to Add a Google Account
- Click the time in the bottom right, then the Settings gear.
- Scroll to Accounts in the left menu (or search “accounts” in the settings search bar).
- Click Add Google Account.
- Enter the email and password for the account you want to add.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finish signing in.
Once added, you can switch which account is active in a browser tab by clicking your profile photo in the top-right of Chrome, or use both accounts side by side in different browser windows.
How to Remove a Google Account
- Go to Settings > Accounts.
- Find the account under Additional accounts.
- Click the three-dot menu next to it.
- Select Remove this account.
This signs you out of that account everywhere on the device but doesn’t delete the Google Account itself or any of its data.
Adding a Whole Separate Person Instead
If you want a fully separate desktop, app list, and browsing history for another person (not just another account inside your profile), that’s a different feature — see our guide on adding multiple user profiles on a Chromebook.
Still Having Trouble?
- Can’t add an account: confirm you’re using the correct password, and check whether two-step verification needs an extra approval step on your phone.
- Account shows as managed/restricted: some school or work accounts can only be added as the primary sign-in account, not as an additional account, due to admin policy.
- Forgot your password: reset it through Google’s account recovery flow before trying to add it again.
FAQ
Does removing an account delete its Gmail or Drive files?
No. Removing an account from a Chromebook only signs it out locally — nothing on the Google Account itself is deleted.
How many accounts can I add?
You can add several additional accounts, though Google recommends keeping it manageable — most people use two or three at most.
Can I set a different account as my Chromebook’s primary owner account?
No, not without setting up a completely new user profile. The original owner account tied to your device at first setup stays the primary account.
