Chromebook Users and Guest Mode: Managing Accounts and Privacy

How user accounts work on ChromeOS

Every Chromebook is designed around the Google Account. When you sign in, ChromeOS creates a profile that stores your bookmarks, extensions, apps, and downloaded files. Other people who sign in on the same device get their own profile, so your data stays separate.

This separation is reinforced by ChromeOS security features. The operating system includes data encryption and sandboxing, so each user's information is protected from other accounts on the same device. Even if someone else uses the Chromebook, they cannot see your signed-in sessions or local files. For a deeper look, see our security features overview.

Adding and switching between users

You can add a user from the lock screen by selecting the profile icon and choosing 'Add account', or from the Settings menu under People. The first user on a device is the owner and can control which other accounts are allowed to sign in.

To switch between users, sign out of the current session and select the other account, or use the 'Switch user' option from the system tray. Each user's session resumes where they left off, with their own open tabs and apps.

When you sign in for the first time on a new Chromebook, you will be asked to add the owner account. That account is the only one that can change certain system settings, such as who is allowed to sign in. Other accounts are added from the lock screen or from Settings, and they can be managed by the owner at any time.

Removing a user

The owner can remove a user from the device. This deletes that user's local profile, including downloaded files and settings, but it does not delete the Google Account itself. The person can still use their account on other devices.

Removing a user is useful when someone no longer uses the Chromebook, or when you want to free up storage space. Each profile consumes storage for cached files and downloaded content, so cleaning out unused accounts can help maintain performance.

When you remove a user, you have the option to clear all the browsing data and downloaded files from that profile. After removal, the user will no longer appear on the lock screen, and their settings will not be available on that device.

Guest mode: a private, temporary session

Guest mode is a special mode that starts a browsing session without signing in. It is designed for someone who needs to use the Chromebook briefly, such as a friend, a co-worker, or a student who forgot their charger. In guest mode, the user cannot access any of your files, bookmarks, or signed-in accounts.

When the guest logs out, all browsing data, cookies, and downloaded files from that session are cleared. This makes guest mode a safe way to lend your Chromebook without worrying about leaving any trace. Guest mode is also useful for testing websites or showing something to a group without mixing your personal data.

You can start guest mode from the lock screen by clicking the 'Browse as Guest' option. This is available even if other users have signed in. During a guest session, the user can use the internet, install extensions temporarily, and work on documents, but nothing is saved to the device after they log out.

Choosing between guest mode and separate accounts

The right choice depends on who uses the Chromebook and how often. If you share the device with family members or colleagues on a regular basis, separate accounts give each person a persistent space with their own apps and files. Guest mode is better for one-off use where you do not want the person to create a profile.

For children, separate accounts also open the door to parental controls, which let you manage screen time and app restrictions. Guest mode is not suitable for children who need their own login and settings. If you plan to share a Chromebook within a family, consider models with ample storage, such as those listed in our best 128GB Chromebooks guide.

Privacy and security considerations

ChromeOS keeps every account secure through automatic updates. Google provides 10 years of updates for Chromebooks released from 2021 onward, and these updates include security improvements that protect your data. For details on update schedules and support, see ChromeOS updates and support. You can check the update schedule for your device in Settings, as described in the official ChromeOS update documentation.

Because each account is sandboxed and encrypted, the risk of one user seeing another's data is low. Guest mode adds an extra layer by not creating a permanent profile at all. When you use guest mode, there is nothing to store, so nothing persists after you log out.

It is also worth noting that ChromeOS verifies the system at every boot and repairs itself if it detects tampering, as stated in the Auto Update policy documentation. This means that even if someone uses guest mode and tries to modify the system, the next restart will restore a clean state.

Privacy best practices for shared Chromebooks

If you share a Chromebook with others, consider using separate accounts for each person. This ensures that bookmarks, passwords, and downloaded files stay private. Encourage family members to sign out after use, especially if they are using public or shared devices.

For temporary use, guest mode is the best option. Always use guest mode when lending your Chromebook to someone you do not fully trust, because it leaves no trace. Also, remember to sign out of your own account when you are done, so that the next person cannot accidentally see your open tabs or notifications.

You can also manage what information is shown on the lock screen, such as the profile picture and email address. In Settings, you can adjust privacy options to limit what appears when the device is locked. This reduces the risk of someone identifying your account or too much about you before they even sign in.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How many users can I have on a Chromebook?

There is no fixed limit, but the owner can control who signs in. Each user gets a separate profile with its own apps, files, and settings.

How do I add a user?

From the lock screen, click the profile icon and select 'Add account', or go to Settings > People and add a new user. The owner can also restrict who is allowed to sign in.

Does guest mode save anything?

No. When you log out of guest mode, all browsing data, cookies, and downloaded files from that session are deleted.

Can I use guest mode without an internet connection?

Yes, guest mode works offline, but you will need a connection for some features, such as signing into websites or accessing cloud-based services.

How do I switch users?

Click the clock to open the system tray, then tap your profile picture and choose 'Switch user'. This keeps each session open so you can return to it later.

What happens when I remove a user?

The local profile is deleted, including downloaded files and settings, but the Google Account itself is not affected. The person can still sign in on other devices.