How to Change Default Google Account?

Whether for work, personal use or for some projects, more than one Google account can be a boon or bane. While it helps in segregating the information and keeping things more structured, it can also be detrimental to efficiency and efficacy if there is no proper management.

Another factor that is vital in managing different Google accounts is the default account. A default account is the one you use first, when you try to relate any Google product or service like Gmail, Google Drive, or YouTube. You may find this useful especially when you have only one account log in, but this can be quite cumbersome when you have to log out and log into different accounts quite often.

Let's say, for instance, that you are deep into some work and want to use your work's email for sending a few emails. If your primary account remains set to personal Gmail, then you will have to change it to work account each time you want to look into your work emails. This same pattern can get rather boring rather quickly as it can take ages to open and switch accounts, especially if one is doing it repeatedly through the day.

Why you might wish to change your default Google account?

There are a few concepts that will lead you to want to change your default Google account. Below are some of the most common of them:

Increased efficiency: For instance, if you know that you will be using an account for a work project or a personal project for the most part of the time, it is best to make that account active to avoid unnecessary flipping of the accounts.

Control over personal risks and professional exposure: When you have separate accounts that you use for personal and professional reasons there is less chance you will mix data or inadvertently share information with the wrong audience.

Focus of the work: In case you are assigned more than one job that requires using multiple googles account, then making the correct google account as the default for every project will help keep one focused.

Consequences of shared device management: In case of a scenario where the person sharing a device includes family members or co-workers, modification of the default account can prevent the unauthorized usage of other people's accounts by allowing each person’s own account.

How to use your entire google account and not just the default google account?

How to change your default Google account is a pretty well-liked question once the people realized that altering their primary google account is quite simple, but one should be cautious about each and every step. Here is the guide:

Log in to the present primary account: Start the web browser and go to any google product service like Gmail or Google Drive or Youtube. In case you have not logged in already then do so with your primary account.

Open the account switcher: There should be some profile picture or initials based at the top corner of the google product or service. It should be clicked to extend the account switcher options.

From the shown account switcher, choose the google account that has to be made the default: The account switcher in this menu shows the list of all the previously enrolled google accounts, which are still active. Find the google account which you wish to occupy as your new default and click on it.

Confirm account switch: After choosing the new account, you may be asked to validate the switch or type in your account security password. Complete the procedure as guided by the system.

Validate default account modification: Once you switch to another account you should be able to see the profile picture/initial of that account to the right top corner indicating that that account is your new default.

One thing to keep in mind is that when you change the default account, this change will apply to all Google services and products used on that particular device or browser. If you change the default account on other devices or browsers, that should be done on all devices/ browsers separately.

Fixing common problems

Defining a new default Google account is easy but there will be times you will have some hitches. Here are some of the most reported problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Account is not in the switch account menu: If you wish to change the default account but do not see that account on the account switcher, do the following:

In case you sign out from all accounts, sign in only to the account you wish to remain signed in to.

The system does not permit switching accounts: It happens that you may be unable to switch accounts at the moment or the switch is not effective, in that case, do the following.

Consider preventing working browser add-ons or plugins which may be engaging in the account switching process.

Multiplayer games require users to change their avatars and, thus, their accounts. Please try using your alternative windows to do so.

On my default account it keeps switching out of my primary account: It is understood that if the default account keeps resetting to another account without any positive change, this may be due to other possibilities such as the browser settings, cache, and data, or other applications or services interfering. Perform the following:

Make sure to clean cache, cookies and browsing history on the browser.

In the case of a browser that has a number of accounts, ensure the first one is set as the default among others in the setting and not any other.

Close the browser and disable most unused extensions on the browser. Log in to all the accounts.

Consider the following three cases as the last possible solutions: log off all accounts, close and restart the browser once more. After completing all the above procedures, please log in to the required account.

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps we've outlined above and still haven’t solve the issues you were experiencing, then it is logical for you to look for assistance from Google's support resources or consult a technical professional.

Configure additional settings for your Google account

There are other settings and customizations you will need to consider in addition to changing the default account on Google which is arguably one of the most important, if not the most important, for management of multiple accounts. Consider for example the following:

Account permissions and access control: There are many settings that empower a user to restrict who can view the user’s Google profile, what information can be shared and which applications/ services will be authorized to access the information. These are quite useful in ensuring security and privacy across accounts by managing these settings.

Notification preferences: Users may want to control how and when notifications are sent from different Google products and services. Role specific notification settings can be controlled for each account to avoid information overload.

Data synchronization and backup: Google allows users to backup and sync data in various devices and accounts. Setting up these options enables anybody to have the same version of data without alteration with any other person or losing precious data due to mismanagement.

Customization of the appearance and theme: Even though these posts are not about managing accounts, changing the look and theme of Google products and services will add to your experience and will equally assist in distinguishing one account from the other visually.

Tools for productivity and collaboration: Google applications are enriched with various productivity and collaboration tools – Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Meet etc. Each account comes with quite a number of such helpful tools that would be more helpful if properly explored and set in order to be more productive and collaborate better with coworkers, clients or team members.

As you devote some time to these additional settings, you will now be utilizing your Google in ways that meet you expectations and preferences helping you to work faster and more effectively

Advantages of changing your primary gmail account.

When you want to switch your default Google account: It is easy to dismiss this action as minor. Still, it can significantly change the quality of your work, especially in terms of productivity and workflow. The following are some of the expected key advantages of changing the primary Google account:

Less distraction: If the correct account is made the default, then distractions will be minimized and work will hence be managed properly. This in turn helps in time management.

Better data management: One can create numerous accounts based on need, and credit card and avoid circumstances where even professional and personal data gets mixed up.

Efficiency in doing tasks: The need to keep changing accounts is eliminated which aids in saving time and avoiding errors associated with such activities.

Proper interaction and sharing of information: If the correct account is made the default address for emails, all the communication about projects will be collaborative.

Segregation of sensitive accounts: It can be easier to manage accounts for different needs by keeping them separate so that data privacy is observed with fewer chances of leaking or misuse.

On the whole, dedicating some few minutes to alter the default Google account and also manage accounts in order may be beneficial in terms of productivity, order, and even the level of satisfaction as the users proceed to use the computer.

Best practices for managing multiple Google accounts

Nevertheless, changing your default Google account is very important, on its own it is not enough, it may be necessary to consider other better ways that can help in reducing the chances of problems arising due to the existence of plusieurs comptes. Here are some suggestions:

Ensure the accounts have strong and distinct passwords: It’s critical to note that when creating an account in any of the systems, it is advisable to create specifically designed and complex passwords for those accounts. Password managers can help keep your accounts safe as they can create strong passwords and even save them in the tool.

Implement two-step verification: Another feature of two-step verification is that it requires an access code in addition to the password you entered in order to log in to the device. Of course, all people know that one cannot only enter one’s username and password to access a restricted area.

Maintain control of account details: You are encouraged to keep track of the account details such as usernames and passwords and recovery email addresses within acceptable and safe domains in case they will be needed for logging into different accounts.

Take time to analyze the processes and configurations of the accounts from time to time: Take time to check that the activity has been carried out under the intended accounts and that there have not been any unauthorized attempts to access the accounts or if there is no suspicious activities.

Utilize account recovery options: As secondary authentication measures, mark or provide account recovery options like recovery emails or phone numbers to regain control of your accounts if the primary password gets lost, or if the account is compromised.

Separate accounts for different purposes: Keep different accounts for different functions: a personal one, a work one, and an account specific for this project, in this case, to prevent information from getting mixed up and for better management.

Regularly back up important data: Make a habit to periodically back up important data from your Google accounts to another storage medium or online backup accounts to minimize potential loss of data, due to some issues with the account or their security being violated.

By acting within these frames, one can protect these Google accounts, even their multiple accounts, as well as the workflow that these multiple accounts make possible.

Tools and extensions to simplify account switching:

Although changing the primary Google account is a very productive step and you would be doing loads of work with this primary google account, in addition, there are different tools and extensions that can help you to do even more work in the process of account switching. Here are some of the well-known ones:

Google Account Manager: This is the official Chrome extension from Google that comes in to help you switch between different google accounts quickly. After a few clicks every account can be accessed which is quite convenient. A dropdown in the browser’s toolbar enables quick access to information that has been managed.

Shift: Shift is a wonderful tool for workplace management which helps in the taming and switching to multiple accounts, applications and workspaces within no time. There are many more applications like this including the services offered by Google.

Sessions Buddy: Session Buddy is one of the most downloaded chrome plugins that help an individual switch and browse with different logins as required using different sessions. This is very helpful if you are handling several projects and need to log in and out of different accounts or personal versus work accounts.

Multilogin: Multilogin is an add-on which allows you to open various instances of one application installed on the browser but using different accounts on each instance. This is especially useful to open several Google accounts on one browser.

Workona: Workona is an inclusive workplace management application that allows the user to easily manage and switch multiple accounts, applications and workspaces. It is to be noted that a lot of web based application with google features’ integration offers this such as Workona, project management with productivity tools.

Google Account Switcher: Simple use with a few clicks of the mouse, this Chrome extension allows you to switch over your Google accounts in a concise manner. It shows a drop down of the accounts that have been logged into on the browser’s tool bar for quick changes.

Whenever you are looking to use any tool or extension for your work, try to look at its usability, whether it works on the browser and operating system of your choice, and any other relevant integrations that may improve your productivity. Some of them may include paid features with regards to more enhanced tools or allowing more logging in.

Tips on how to keep your self organized and productive while using so many accounts:

Utilizing more than one Google account could be a multi-layered and somewhat daunting endeavor, but provided there are essential strategies and tools, you can stay on point without much of a hassle. So, here are a few pointers that can assist you in improving your workflow further, as well as further facilitating the recovery process.

Use the purpose of use to designate which account to work on: Use, professional, personal and project accounts. Helps to draw the line more cleanly and not to push wrong or overly confidential information to the wrong audience, as well as avoid confusing the information.

Use color coding and/or labeling: Many extensions and tools for account management enable the assignment of colors or the creation of labels for different accounts. Use it in order to quickly differentiate between the given accounts without having to click them probably saving time to locate the right account.

Use browser profiles or containers: In some browsers, for example in Firefox, there are such features as profiles or containers which help to create several environments for different accounts. This may help you in avoiding mixing of the accounts and then the problems of data mingling will be avoided.

Schedule reminders or notifications: Use reminder in your calendars or their alerts or task managing application in order to alert and tell you to change accounts or perform some actions or check and see some tasks or projects which are under some other accounts.

Make it a point to switch your account in the same sequential order every time: Set a pattern where one has to log in to his or her work account the moment they wake up and tend to their personal account during breaks or after working time.

Make use of shortcuts: Short cuts are available in most account management tools and extensions which allow switching of accounts fast. Make sure you know and use these short cuts in order to complete your work faster with less reliance on the mouse and device’s touchpad.

Assess and eliminate inactive accounts on a regular basis: From time to time, verify if you have any accounts that you do not need and eliminate them or suspend them in order to keep the clutter on the sisters’ bm' accounts to a minimum and make their utilization easier.

Employ cloud storage and sync for the files: Employ the services of cloud storage and synchronization provider such as Google Drive or Dropbox to place files and documents you need to access on all your accounts and devices on the cloud.

Share information with caution: When sharing a document or a project with other people, check which account you are using one more time to prevent sending sensitive information to an inappropriate audience.

Make sure to follow security standards regarding the account: Regularly update your account security standards, including use of complex and different passwords, utilization of two-step verification system, and carefulness while dealing with phishing and other attacks.

These tips and strategies will facilitate effective work management across multiple Google accounts hence improving your efficiency.

Conclusion

In today's digital age, managing multiple Google accounts has become a common necessity for many individuals and professionals. Whether you're juggling personal and work accounts, or handling different projects or clients, having the ability to change your default Google account can be a game-changer in terms of productivity and efficiency.