Signing out of Google Play removes your account from the device
When you sign out of Google Play, you disconnect your Google account from that device. Apps you installed through Google Play will still be on your phone or tablet, but you won't be able to update them, read new ones, or access your purchase history until you sign back in with a Google account — not necessarily the same one.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an Android phone, a tablet, or a Chromebook, but the core idea is the same: you're telling the device to forget which Google account is linked to the Play Store.
Key Takeaways
- Signing out of Google Play on Android means going to Settings, then Accounts, finding your Google account, and choosing to remove it from the device.
- Apps you already installed stay on your device after you sign out, but you cannot update them or read new apps without signing back in.
- On a Chromebook, signing out of Google Play is the same as signing out of the entire device, which removes all your files and settings.
- If you only want to stop seeing purchases or recommendations tied to one account, you can switch to a different Google account instead of signing out completely.
How to sign out on an Android phone or tablet
Open the Settings app on your device. Scroll down and tap Accounts or Accounts and backup — the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version.
Look for your Google account in the list and tap it. You'll see options like Remove account, Delete account, or Sign out. Tap whichever option appears. The device will ask you to confirm — tap Remove or Yes. Your Google account is now disconnected from Google Play on that device.
If you have multiple Google accounts on the device, you only remove the one you want to sign out from. The others stay active. If you're the device owner and you remove the only Google account, you may be asked to set up a new one or verify your identity the next time you try to use Google Play.
How to sign out on a Chromebook
On a Chromebook, Google Play is tied directly to your Chromebook account. Signing out of Google Play means signing out of the entire device. Click your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen, then click Sign out.
When you sign out, all your files, settings, and installed apps are removed from that Chromebook. The next person to use it will see a blank device. If you sign back in with the same Google account later, your files and settings will sync back down, but this takes a few minutes.
What happens to your apps after you sign out
Apps you installed before signing out stay on your device and continue to work. You can open them and use them normally. However, you cannot update any of them through Google Play, and you cannot install new apps until you sign back in.
If an app requires a Google account to function — like Gmail or Google Drive — it will ask you to sign in when you open it. You can use a different Google account than the one you removed, or you can sign in with the same account again.
How to switch to a different Google account instead
If you want to keep using Google Play but with a different account, you don't need to sign out. Instead, open Google Play, tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap Manage your Google Account. Go to the Accounts tab and look for an option to add or switch accounts.
On some devices, you can also go to Settings, tap Accounts, and add a new Google account without removing the old one. Then open Google Play and tap your profile picture to choose which account you want to use for purchases and downloads.
Why you might want to sign out
People sign out of Google Play for several reasons. You might be selling or giving away a device and want to remove your account first. You might share a device with family members and want to keep your purchases separate. Or you might be troubleshooting a problem with your account and need to start fresh.
If you're concerned about privacy or security, signing out removes your account from that device, but it doesn't delete your Google account or your purchase history. Your account still exists on Google's servers, and you can sign back in from any device at any time.
What to do if you can't find the sign-out option
On older Android devices, the steps might be slightly different. If you can't find Accounts in Settings, try searching for "accounts" in the Settings search bar at the top. On some Samsung phones, it's under Accounts and backup instead of just Accounts.
If you're using a work or school device, your organization might have restricted the ability to remove accounts. Contact your IT department or device administrator if you see a message saying the account cannot be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my apps if I sign out of Google Play?
No. Apps stay on your device and continue to work. You just won't be able to update them or read new ones until you sign back in with a Google account. If you uninstall an app after signing out, you'll need to sign back in to reinstall it.
Can I sign out of Google Play without signing out of Gmail or other Google apps?
On Android, signing out of your Google account removes it from the entire device, so all Google apps will sign out. On a Chromebook, signing out of Google Play signs you out of everything. If you want to use Gmail but not Google Play, add a second Google account and use one for email and another for the Play Store.
What if I forget my password after signing out?
You can still sign back in by going to the sign-in screen and tapping Forgot password? Google will send a recovery link to your backup email or phone number. You don't need to remember your password to sign out — only to sign back in.
Does signing out delete my purchase history?
No. Your purchase history stays in your Google account. When you sign back in with the same account, you'll see all your previous purchases and can reinstall any apps you bought. Your purchase history is stored on Google's servers, not on the device.
Can I sign out of just one app instead of the whole account?
Yes. Open the individual app, look for a Settings or Account menu inside the app, and choose to sign out there. This removes your account from that app only, not from Google Play or other apps. Most Google apps like Gmail and Drive have their own sign-out options inside the app.