If you are a user of Google Chrome, you may have noticed an unusual behavior. When you access any Google service, such as Gmail or Google Drive, your browser automatically logs you in as well.
While some users might consider this functionality beneficial due to its syncing and personalization benefits, others might perceive it as intrusive.
Here are a few explanations why:
- You might opt to evade Google Account-specific functionalities in Chrome and would prefer to stay logged out.
- You may wish to oversee multiple accounts across different Google platforms.
- Worries about privacy could arise.
By default, Chrome is configured such that signing into a Google Account on any Google-owned site will also log you into the browser itself.
Tip: Remember to check our guide on disabling toast notifications in Google Chrome.
Disabling the Link Between Google Account and Chrome
Fortunately, deactivating this feature in Chrome is an easy task. Here’s how to accomplish it:
- Enter chrome://settings/syncSetup in the Chrome address bar. This will display the Sync and Google services settings for your browser.
- Switch off the “Allow Chrome sign-in” option located under “Other Google services.” When turned off, this option will appear grayed out.
Be aware that you might need to restart your browser for the Google Account to be signed out from Chrome. Alternatively, you can log out during your session by clicking the profile icon in the address bar and selecting the “sign out of Chrome” option.
Logging Into Chrome Alongside Other Google Services
Google is in the process of introducing a new feature regarding sign-ins. It is currently accessible through Chrome Canary, though it may not be available to every user just yet.
Called “Sign in to Chrome when you sign in to other Google services,” this feature is set to default to “sign in,” maintaining the existing configuration in most respects. Essentially, Chrome will likely log you in automatically when you access a Google product online.
The other two options include “don’t sign in” and “ask every time.” The first option would be akin to completely disabling the “allow Chrome sign-in” feature, whereas the second option will prompt you each time you log in, providing you the opportunity to decide if you want to sign into Chrome with that Google account.
If you wish to avoid this situation completely, consider transitioning to an alternative browser. This change could enhance your overall privacy, as it would imply using a browser not managed by an advertising company. In such a scenario, you could also continue using uBlock Origin.
When it comes to browsers, which one do you currently prefer and why? We welcome you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Image Source: TY Lim / Shutterstock
