The fastest way to sign out of Gmail
To sign out of Gmail, tap or click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Sign out" from the menu that appears. On a computer, your profile picture is in the upper right of the Gmail window. On a phone, it may be in the top left or top right depending on your device and Gmail version. The sign-out option is usually near the bottom of the menu.
After you select "Sign out", Gmail closes your account on that device. You will be returned to the Gmail login screen. The next time someone uses that device, they will need to enter their own email address and password to access their Gmail account.
Key Takeaways
- Sign out by tapping or clicking your profile picture, then selecting "Sign out" from the dropdown menu.
- Signing out removes your account from that specific device but does not delete your emails or account.
- On shared computers or phones, signing out prevents other users from reading your emails.
- If you forget to sign out on a public device, you can sign out remotely from another device using your Google Account settings.
Why you should sign out on shared devices
If you use Gmail on a computer or phone that other people also use, signing out protects your privacy. When you stay signed in, anyone who picks up that device can read your emails, access your contacts, and see your calendar. Signing out after each use prevents this.
Signing out is especially important on public computers at libraries, schools, or internet cafes. On these devices, the next person to use the computer could access your account if you remain signed in. Even a few minutes of being signed in on a public device is a risk.
How to sign out on a computer
Open Gmail in your web browser. Look for your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen — it is usually a small circle with your photo or initials. Click on it once.
A menu will drop down with several options. Scroll down to the bottom of this menu and click "Sign out". You will be taken to the Gmail login page. Your account is now signed out on that computer.
If you have multiple Google accounts signed in on the same browser, clicking "Sign out" will only sign out the account you selected. Other accounts may remain signed in.
How to sign out on an Android phone
Open the Gmail app on your Android phone. Look at the top left or top right corner of the screen for your profile picture — it is usually a small circle. Tap it once.
A menu will appear. Scroll down and tap "Manage your Google Account". This takes you to your account settings. Tap the "Security" tab at the top. Scroll down to find "Your devices" and tap "Manage all devices".
Find the device you want to sign out from and tap it. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Sign out". You will be returned to the Gmail login screen on that phone.
How to sign out on an iPhone or iPad
Open the Gmail app. Tap the menu icon — three horizontal lines — in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings".
Tap your email address at the top of the settings menu. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Sign out". A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Sign out" again to confirm. You will return to the Gmail login screen.
What to do if you forgot to sign out
If you used Gmail on a public or shared device and forgot to sign out, you can sign out remotely from another device. Go to myaccount.google.com on any computer or phone where you are signed in. Click or tap "Security" on the left side of the screen.
Scroll down to "Your devices" and click or tap "Manage all devices". You will see a list of every device where your Gmail account is currently signed in. Find the device you want to sign out from and click or tap it. At the bottom, select "Sign out". Your account will be signed out on that device even though you are not physically there.
This remote sign-out works even if someone else is currently using that device. They will be signed out the next time they try to access Gmail.
The difference between signing out and deleting your account
Signing out and deleting your account are two completely different actions. When you sign out, your emails, contacts, and all your data remain in your Google Account. You are straightforward removing access from that particular device. The next time you sign in on any device with your email and password, all your information will be there.
Deleting your account is permanent and removes everything — your emails, your contacts, your photos, and your entire account. You should only delete your account if you never want to use Gmail again. Signing out is the normal action when you finish using Gmail on a device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my emails be deleted if I sign out?
No. Signing out only removes your account from that device. All your emails remain stored in your Google Account. When you sign back in on any device with your email and password, your emails will be there.
Can I sign out of Gmail without signing out of Google?
No. Gmail is part of your Google Account, so signing out of Gmail signs you out of all Google services on that device, including YouTube, Google Drive, and Google Photos. If you want to stay signed into other Google services, you will need to sign back into them separately after signing out of Gmail.
What happens if someone else signs in after I sign out?
Once you sign out, the device returns to the Gmail login screen. The next person will need to enter their own email address and password. They cannot access your account or emails unless they know your password.
How do I know if I am signed out?
On a computer, you will see the Gmail login page with a box asking for an email address. On a phone, the Gmail app will show the login screen. If you see your inbox instead, you are still signed in.
Can I sign out of Gmail on all my devices at once?
You cannot sign out of all devices with a single button, but you can use the remote sign-out feature to sign out of each device individually. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security", then "Manage all devices", and sign out from each one you see listed.