The fastest way to log out of Gmail
To log out of Gmail, click your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen, then click "Sign out" from the menu that appears. That's it — you're logged out and anyone else who picks up that device won't see your emails.
If you don't see a profile picture, look for your email address or initials in the top right. The button is always in that corner. On a phone or tablet, you may need to tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) first to find your profile picture.
Logging out is different from closing the browser or turning off the device. Closing the browser window does not log you out — the next person who opens Gmail on that device will still see your account. You have to actively sign out to prevent that.
Key Takeaways
- Click your profile picture in the top right corner of Gmail and select "Sign out" to log out completely.
- Closing the browser window or tab does not log you out — you must click the sign-out button.
- On shared devices, always log out before leaving, especially if you use Gmail on a computer at work or in a public place.
- If you're on someone else's device and can't find the sign-out button, you can also go to myaccount.google.com and sign out from there.
Why logging out matters on shared devices
When you stay logged in to Gmail, anyone with access to that device can read your emails, send messages from your account, or change your password. This is a real risk on shared computers at work, school, or home, or on any device you let someone else borrow.
The risk is higher than many people think. Someone doesn't need to be a hacker — they just need physical access to the device while you're still logged in. They can forward your emails to themselves, reset your password, or use your account to contact your friends and family.
On your own personal phone or laptop that nobody else uses, the risk is lower. But on any device that more than one person touches, logging out is the only way to keep your account private.
How to log out on a computer or laptop
Open Gmail in your web browser. Look at the top right corner of the screen. You'll see either a circular profile picture, your initials, or your email address. Click on it.
A small menu will drop down. The bottom option says "Sign out". Click it. Gmail will close your session, and the next time someone opens Gmail on that computer, they'll see the login screen instead of your inbox.
If you use Gmail in multiple browser tabs or windows, signing out in one tab signs you out everywhere. You don't have to close each tab separately.
How to log out on a phone or tablet
Open the Gmail app. At the top right, you'll see your profile picture or initials. Tap it. A menu will appear with your email address and account options.
Scroll down to the bottom of that menu and tap "Sign out" or "Sign out of all accounts" if you have more than one Gmail account on the phone. The app will log you out.
If you use Gmail in a web browser on your phone instead of the app, the process is the same as on a computer — tap your profile picture in the top right and select "Sign out".
What to do if you can't find the sign-out button
If you're using an older version of Gmail or a different interface, the profile picture might be in a different spot. Try looking for a menu icon (three horizontal lines or three dots) in the top right or top left corner. Tap or click it and look for your account name or a settings option.
If you still can't find it, go to myaccount.google.com in your web browser. Sign in if you're not already signed in. On the left side, click "Security". Scroll down to "Your devices" and find the device you want to sign out of. Click "Sign out" next to it.
This method works on any device and any browser, even if the Gmail interface looks different than expected.
The difference between signing out and deleting your account
Signing out removes your account from that device only. Your emails stay in Gmail, your account still exists, and you can sign back in anytime from any device. Nothing is deleted or lost.
Deleting your account is permanent and removes everything — all your emails, your contacts, your Google Drive files, and your YouTube history if it's linked to the same account. You should never delete your account by accident when you only meant to sign out.
If you want to remove Gmail from a device but keep the account, signing out is what you want. If you want to get rid of the account entirely, that's a separate process that requires you to confirm you want to delete it.
Why you might want to sign out regularly
On a device you share with family, roommates, or coworkers, signing out every time you leave is a straightforward habit that prevents accidental or intentional snooping. It takes five seconds and protects your privacy.
On a public computer — at a library, internet cafe, or hotel — you should always sign out before you leave. Public devices are used by many people, and staying logged in means the next person can see everything in your account.
On your own device that nobody else uses, signing out is less critical for privacy. But signing out can also be useful if you want to switch to a different Gmail account without opening a new browser window or if you're troubleshooting a problem with your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does signing out delete my emails?
No. Your emails stay in Gmail forever unless you delete them yourself. Signing out just removes your account from that device. You can sign back in from any device and all your emails will be there.
What happens if I close Gmail without signing out?
You stay logged in. The next person who opens Gmail on that device will see your inbox. Closing the browser, closing the tab, or turning off the device does not sign you out. You must click the sign-out button.
Can I sign out of Gmail on one device without affecting other devices?
Yes. Signing out on your phone only signs you out on your phone. You'll still be logged in on your computer, tablet, or any other device. Each device is separate.
What if I forgot to sign out at a public computer?
Go to myaccount.google.com from any device, sign in, go to Security, and look for "Your devices". You can sign out of any device from there, even if you're not physically at that computer.
Is signing out the same as logging out?
Yes. "Signing out" and "logging out" mean the same thing — you're ending your session and removing your account from that device. Gmail uses both terms, but they refer to the same action.