Why you might want to remove a device
You can remove any device linked to your Google Account at any time. This is useful when you sell or give away a phone, tablet, or computer; when you stop using an old device; or when you think a device has been compromised. Removing a device signs you out of Google on that device and stops it from accessing your Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services.
The device itself keeps working — you are just disconnecting it from your Google Account. If someone else uses that device later, they will not see your emails or files unless they sign in with their own Google Account.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove any device from your Google Account through the Security section of your account settings, which takes about two minutes.
- Removing a device signs you out of Google on that device but does not erase files or apps already stored there.
- If you cannot access the device you want to remove, you can still remove it remotely from any other device or computer.
- After removing a device, you can sign back in on that device at any time if you change your mind.
- Removing a device does not affect other devices — each one is managed separately.
How to remove a device from your Google Account
Start by going to myaccount.google.com in any web browser. You can use any device — the one you are removing or a different one. Sign in with your Google Account if you are not already signed in.
On the left side of the page, click Security. Scroll down until you see a section called Your devices. Click on it to expand the list. You will see every phone, tablet, and computer currently signed into your Google Account, along with the last time each one was used.
Find the device you want to remove and click on it. A panel will open showing the device name, type, and location. At the bottom of that panel, click Remove. Google will ask you to confirm — click Remove again. That device is now disconnected from your Google Account.
What happens after you remove a device
Within a few minutes, that device will be signed out of Google. If the device is turned on and connected to the internet, you may see a notification that you have been signed out. If the device is off, it will be signed out the next time it connects to the internet.
Any files, photos, or apps already downloaded to that device will stay there — removing the device does not erase anything. But the device will no longer be able to access your Gmail inbox, Google Drive, Google Photos, or any other Google service that requires being signed in. If someone else picks up that device, they will see only what was already on it, not your personal data.
If you removed the device by mistake, you can sign back in on it at any time using your Google password. Removing a device is not permanent.
Removing a device you no longer have access to
If you sold your phone, lost a tablet, or gave away a computer, you do not need that device in your hands to remove it. Go to myaccount.google.com from any other device, click Security, find Your devices, and remove it the same way. Google does not require the device to be present or turned on.
This is especially important if you think a device was stolen or compromised. Removing it when ready stops it from accessing your Google Account, even if someone else has it. You should also change your Google password right away if you think your account itself may have been accessed.
Checking which devices are signed in
You can see a complete list of every device signed into your Google Account by going to myaccount.google.com, clicking Security, and opening Your devices. The list shows the device name (like "Sarah's iPhone" or "Home Computer"), the type of device, and when it was last used.
If you see a device you do not recognize, that is a sign someone else may have signed into your account. Remove that device when ready and change your Google password. You can also turn on 2-Step Verification in the Security section to make it harder for someone to sign in without your permission, even if they know your password.
Removing devices from Google Home and Nest products
If you have a Google Home speaker, Nest camera, or other Google smart home device, those are managed differently than phones and computers. To remove a smart home device, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device you want to remove, tap the settings icon (three dots), scroll down, and tap Remove device.
Smart home devices are tied to your Google Account but do not appear in the "Your devices" list on myaccount.google.com. If you are trying to remove a speaker or camera and cannot find it in your account settings, use the Google Home app instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing a device erase everything on it?
No. Removing a device only signs you out of your Google Account on that device. Photos, files, apps, and everything else stored on the device stays there. If you want to erase the device completely before selling or giving it away, you need to do a factory reset separately through the device's own settings.
Can I remove a device if I do not know the password?
Yes. You can remove any device from your Google Account by going to myaccount.google.com from a different device or computer. The device you are removing does not need to be present, turned on, or accessible. You only need to be able to sign into your Google Account from somewhere else.
What if I remove a device and then want to use it again?
You can sign back in at any time. Just open Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, or any other Google service on that device and sign in with your Google Account and password. Removing a device does not lock it permanently — it just disconnects it temporarily.
How do I know if an unknown device is signed into my account?
Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security, and open Your devices. Look through the list for any device name you do not recognize. If you see one, click it and remove it. You should also change your Google password right away and turn on 2-Step Verification to prevent future unauthorized access.
Does removing a device affect my other devices?
No. Each device is managed separately. Removing one phone, tablet, or computer does not sign you out on any other device. All your other devices stay signed in and working normally.