You are not the only one who has to manage multiple Google accounts on your Android device. It is very common to have multiple Google Accounts, especially with the incredible amount of social media platforms available. When you use each account for different purposes, you also tend to use multiple Google IDs – it happens!
With every new ID you create, you swear that it’s impossible to forget credentials. Just give it a few days. Soon, you’ll be trying out all the passwords you’ve ever had because guess what – you forgot. This starts the tedious process of resetting your password (although you understand why it’s important to go through all the required steps).
Create a Google Account
When you create a new account, Google asks you to provide your contact details. This can be an alternate email address or your phone number. Google asks you for this information, especially for a situation where you forget your password. This gives them a backup plan and verification process, so you don’t get stuck on your email. It’s a bit of a long process, having to go through another account just to get the unique code to reset your password for Google, but it’s pretty straightforward.
Yet even if you can remember all of your usernames and passwords, signing in and out to switch between multiple accounts is a pain.
Instead of relying on memory, you can write it all down on a piece of paper. However, you can just stay signed in to all accounts simultaneously. This is, by far, the simplest option. Instead of logging out and logging in every time, all you have to do is change your username from the Google homepage /Gmail view of the message.
Sounds convenient, right?
But how do you do it? Keep reading to find out.
Set up an additional account on Android
Let’s start by adding all the Google accounts you use!
- On your Android device, go to settings.
- Then go to Accounts.
- You’ll find an Add Account option – you may need to scroll down a bit.
- Select Google Account from the options presented. You may be prompted to enter the device password or fingerprint if you are using biometrics.
- A prompt will ask you to sign in to your Google account. Keep your password and username handy if you can’t remember them.
- Log in to the other account if you have one or create a new one.
From now on, your new / existing additional account will always be available on your smartphone together with your main account. You can easily switch from one to the other. You can also add other accounts if you want. Android will sync data for all accounts you add, unless you specify otherwise. You can also delete an account by clicking on the three-dot menu.
What happens when you click on Manage your account?
Clicking on Manage your account gives you many options to customize your account. Here are the menu options you will see.
Home
Under this option you will find privacy and personalization, account protection, account storage, and privacy verification.
Personal informations
This is the information you provided to Google when you registered. It will list your name, birthday, password, contact details, etc. You can also choose what others see from here.
Data and Personalization
This section shows you an overview of your account activity, the things you create and do, ad personalization, and more.
security
In Security, you can choose the Two-step verification option to secure your connection. You can define ways by which Google can verify that you are the one signing into the account, which apps have access to your account and devices, and more.
People and sharing
Your contacts are stored here, both by phone and email. You can also view a list of blocked users and your location sharing options.
Payments and subscriptions
Finally, you will see information about the payment method you have configured. If you haven’t, you can do it from here. This section also provides you with a record of all your purchases and subscriptions. Like a personal secretary, this section also keeps a record of your flight and hotel bookings from your searches, maps, and events you created in your calendar.
If you are in a hurry, a search option at the bottom of the screen will allow you to enter the option you need to access. The results will be displayed “live” on the same page. Just click on the option you are looking for.
You can also change accounts from here. The home page will display your avatar (if you have configured it) or your account ID. If you have multiple IDs synced, click a small down arrow to view them. Select the desired account and navigate to the same menu information above for that particular account.
Manage different Google accounts on computer / Chrome
Of course, you can not only manage your Google accounts from your Android smartphone, but you can also do it on your computer.
- Log into your existing account.
- At the top right of your browser, you will be able to see your name or profile picture. Click on it.
- A drop-down menu with your full email account will appear. Below, you’ll see a button that reads Manage your Google Account.
- Below is a sign with a “+”. Right next to it is Add another account. Click on it.
- Depending on your settings, you will switch from this page to a login screen for your second account, or a new Chrome browser window will open. From both, you can sign in to your other account.
- In case you don’t have another, this is a great place to create it. Under the sign in option, you will also see a Create account option.
- Once you are logged into your other account, it will automatically be linked to your first one. To change accounts, repeat step 2 above. Now the drop-down menu will also show your other account.
Follow these steps carefully and you will find that all of your Google accounts are right at your fingertips on your Android!