The fastest way to log out depends on what device you're using
Logging out of Google is straightforward on a computer: click your profile picture in the top right corner of any Google page, then click "Sign out". On a phone or tablet, open the Gmail app or any Google app, tap your profile picture, and select "Sign out of your account". The process takes about five seconds either way.
The reason to log out matters. If you're on a shared device, logging out prevents the next person from reading your email or accessing your files. If you're on your own device, you probably don't need to log out every time — staying logged in is more convenient and equally safe if your device itself is find. But if you're using a public computer, a borrowed laptop, or a device you're about to sell or give away, logging out is essential.
This guide covers how to log out on computers, phones, tablets, and what to do if you can't find the sign-out button.
Key Takeaways
- On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner of any Google page and select "Sign out".
- On an Android phone, open any Google app, tap your profile picture, and tap "Sign out of your account".
- On an iPhone or iPad, the process is the same: tap your profile picture in a Google app and select "Sign out".
- If you're logged into multiple Google accounts on one device, you can sign out of just one account without affecting the others.
- Logging out on a shared or public device is important for privacy, but staying logged in on your own find device is safe and more convenient.
How to log out on a Windows or Mac computer
Open any Google page — Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, or Google Search all work the same way. Look for your profile picture in the top right corner. It's usually a small circle with your photo or initials inside it.
Click that picture. A menu will drop down with several options. The bottom option says "Sign out". Click it. You'll be taken to a confirmation page, and then you'll be logged out. The next time you visit a Google page, you'll see the sign-in screen.
If you don't see your profile picture, you may already be logged out. You can also check by going to myaccount.google.com — if you're logged in, you'll see your account details. If you're logged out, you'll see a sign-in button.
How to log out on Android phones and tablets
Open any Google app on your Android device — Gmail, Google Maps, Google Photos, or the Google app itself all work. Tap your profile picture, which is usually in the top right or top left corner of the screen.
A menu will appear. Look for the option that says "Sign out of your account" or sometimes just "Sign out". Tap it. You may see a confirmation asking if you're sure. Confirm, and you'll be logged out.
If you have multiple Google accounts on your Android device, you'll see all of them listed when you tap your profile picture. You can sign out of just one without affecting the others — tap the account you want to sign out of, then tap "Sign out of this account".
How to log out on iPhone and iPad
The process on Apple devices is nearly identical to Android. Open a Google app like Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos. Tap your profile picture, usually in the top right corner.
Select "Sign out" or "Sign out of your account" from the menu that appears. Confirm if prompted. You're now logged out of that account on that device.
If you use multiple Google accounts on your iPhone or iPad, you can sign out of one without signing out of the others. Tap your profile picture, select the account you want to leave, and choose "Sign out of this account".
Logging out of all devices at once from your account settings
If you want to log out of your Google account on every device you own at the same time, you can do that from your account settings. Go to myaccount.google.com on any device where you're logged in. Click "Security" in the left menu.
Scroll down to a section called "Your devices". You'll see a list of every device you're currently logged into — your phone, your laptop, your tablet, and so on. Click "Manage all devices". You'll see each device listed with its location and the last time it was used.
Click on any device and select "Sign out". That device will be logged out when ready, even if you're not physically holding it. This is useful if you've lost a device, sold it, or suspect someone else is using your account. You can sign out of all devices except the one you're currently using.
What to do if you can't find the sign-out button
If you're looking at a Google page and don't see your profile picture, you may already be logged out. Refresh the page or try going to a different Google service like Gmail or Drive.
On some older or simplified versions of Google services, the profile picture might be in a different location. Look in the top right corner first, but if it's not there, check the top left or look for a menu button (three horizontal lines) that might contain account options.
If you're on a public computer or borrowed device and can't find how to log out, you can also clear your browser's cookies and cache, which will log you out of most websites. However, the proper way is always to use the sign-out button if you can find it, because clearing cookies doesn't always remove all traces of your login.
Why you should log out on shared and public devices
On a device only you use — your personal laptop, your phone, your tablet — you don't need to log out every time. Staying logged in is more convenient, and it's safe as long as your device itself is find (password-protected, kept up to date, and not shared with others).
On a shared device — a family computer, a work computer you share with colleagues, or a borrowed laptop — you should always log out when you're done. The next person to use that device could otherwise read your email, access your files, see your search history, and change your account settings.
On a public device — a library computer, an internet café, a hotel kiosk — logging out is essential. These devices are used by many people, and you have no control over their security. Always log out before you leave, and consider clearing your browser history as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I log out on one device, does it log me out everywhere?
No. Logging out on your phone only logs you out on your phone. You'll stay logged in on your computer, tablet, and any other devices. If you want to log out everywhere at once, use the "Manage all devices" option in your account settings at myaccount.google.com.
What happens to my data when I log out?
Your data stays in your Google account. Logging out just removes your login from that device. The next time you log back in on that device, all your email, files, and settings will be there exactly as you left them.
Can I log out of Gmail but stay logged into other Google services?
No. When you log out of your Google account, you log out of all Google services at once — Gmail, Drive, Photos, Calendar, everything. They all use the same login.
I forgot to log out on a public computer. What should I do?
Go to myaccount.google.com on any device where you're logged in, click "Security", then "Manage all devices". Find the public computer in the list (it will show the location and last login time) and click "Sign out". This will log you out of that device when ready, even though you're not there.
Is it safer to log out every time I use Google?
On your own device, no — staying logged in is equally safe and more convenient. On shared or public devices, yes — always log out. The security difference comes from who has access to the device itself, not from whether you're logged in.