Ever found yourself sharing your Chromebook with family members or needing separate spaces for work and personal stuff? I get it – juggling multiple users on one device can be tricky. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with this complete guide to managing user accounts on your Chromebook.
Key takeaways:
- You can add up to 19 different user accounts on a Chromebook
- Each user gets their own private space with personalized settings and files
- Guest mode lets people use your Chromebook without leaving any traces
Table of Contents
Why You Should Set Up Multiple User Accounts
Privacy matters. When you share your Chromebook, you don’t want others accessing your emails, bookmarks, or files.

Each user account creates a separate digital space.
Think of it like having different rooms in a house – everyone gets their own.
How to Add a New User Account
First, sign out of your current account.
Look for the Add Person button at the bottom left of the screen.
Choose between two options:
- You – for regular adult accounts
- A Child – includes parental controls and safety features
Enter the Google account details for the new user.

No Google account? No problem. Click Create Account right there on the screen.
Setting Up Guest Mode
Sometimes you just need to let someone quickly check their email.
Guest mode is perfect for this.
Just click Browse as Guest on the login screen.
Remember: Guest sessions delete all activity when closed.
Managing Multiple Accounts Like a Pro
Switch between accounts by clicking the profile icon.
Each account can have its own:
- Apps
- Bookmarks
- Files
- Settings
- Passwords
How to Remove User Accounts
Want to clean up your login screen? Here’s how to remove accounts:
Sign out to reach the login screen.
Click the arrow next to the account you want to remove.
Select Remove Account.
Important: This only removes the account from your Chromebook – it doesn’t delete the Google account itself.
Removing the Owner Account
The owner account needs special treatment.
You’ll need to Powerwash your Chromebook:
- Open Settings
- Go to Advanced
- Find Reset settings
- Click Powerwash

Warning: This erases everything on your Chromebook.
FAQ
Can I use a Chromebook without a Google account?
Yes, you can use Guest mode without any account. However, your data won’t be saved after you log out.
What happens to my files when I remove my account?
Local files get deleted, but anything stored in Google Drive stays safe in the cloud.
How many accounts can I add to my Chromebook?
You can add up to 19 different user accounts. If you exceed this limit, ChromeOS might automatically delete older accounts to save space.
Can I prevent others from adding new accounts?
Yes, you can restrict account creation in Settings under Privacy and Security > Manage Other People.
Do all users need internet access to log in?
Yes, the first time you add an account, you need internet access for verification. After that, you can log in offline if you’ve enabled offline access.