Quick Answer
On the sign-in screen, hover over the account you want to remove, click the down arrow that appears, then “Remove this user.” This deletes that account’s local profile and cached data from the device, but the Google account itself is unaffected and unchanged.
When You Might Need This
Remove an account when you’re selling or giving away the Chromebook, cleaning up old profiles no longer in use, or an account is showing sync errors that a simple sign-out doesn’t resolve.
Fix Steps
Step 1: Go to the sign-in screen
If you’re signed in, sign out first by clicking the time in the bottom-right corner, then the sign-out icon.
Step 2: Hover over the account to remove
On the sign-in screen, hover your cursor over the account profile picture and name. A small down arrow icon will appear in the corner.
Step 3: Click Remove this user
Click the down arrow, then select “Remove this user” from the menu that appears.
Step 4: Confirm the removal
Confirm in the dialog that follows. This deletes all locally stored data for that account, including offline files and cached app data, from the device.
Step 5: Do a full Powerwash before selling or giving away the device
Removing individual accounts doesn’t fully wipe the device. Before handing it to someone else, run a full Powerwash to ensure no remaining account traces or settings carry over.
Still Not Fixed?
If an account keeps reappearing on the sign-in screen after removal, or won’t remove at all, the device may be enrolled in a Google Admin managed domain, which can restrict account removal as a policy setting.
FAQ
Does removing an account delete files from Google Drive?
No. Removing a local account profile has no effect on Drive, Gmail, or any other cloud-stored data tied to that Google account.
Can I remove an account I’m currently signed into?
No, you need to sign out first. The remove option only appears for accounts on the sign-in screen, not the one currently active.
Is removing an account the same as a factory reset?
No. It only deletes that one account’s local profile. A Powerwash resets the entire device, removing every account and all settings at once.
