How to remove a Google Account from an Android phone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Removing an account takes it off this phone. The account itself, with its mail, photos and files, stays at Google and can be used on other devices. You do this for an old work account, a second account you no longer need, or before passing a phone on.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones and Google's own apps on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them.

Step by step

1. Open Settings

   Tap Passwords & accounts. Depending on the brand, the entry is called Accounts, Users & accounts or Manage accounts.

   Done

2. Tap the account

   It is listed under Accounts with its email address.

   Done

3. Tap Remove account

   Confirm with Remove account again.

   Done

4. Enter the screen lock if asked

   When you remove the only Google Account on the phone, Android asks for the PIN, pattern or password, to make sure it is the owner.

   Done

5. Check what is gone

   Mail, contacts, calendar entries and settings that came from this account disappear from the phone. They are still in the account online.

   Done

Good to know

Before giving a phone away, removing the account is not enough. Do a factory reset from the settings, which also removes the theft protection tied to your account: how to factory reset an Android phone.

Without any Google Account, the Play Store, backups and Find Hub stop working on this phone.

To take an account off a phone you no longer have, sign in at myaccount.google.com, open Security and look at Your devices. Choose the phone and sign out.

To add an account, use Add account in the same menu. For a second person, a separate user is tidier: how to add a second user or a guest on Android.

In short: Settings, Passwords & accounts, tap the account, Remove account, confirm, screen lock if it is the only one.