The owner on a Chromebook is the Google Account linked to the device, and you change it by signing out and signing in with a different account
The owner is whoever is signed into the Chromebook as the primary user. That account controls settings, installed apps, and files stored on the device. To change the owner, you sign out of the current account and sign in with a new Google Account. The process takes a few minutes and does not erase the device — it just transfers control to the new account holder.
If you are the current owner and want to hand the Chromebook to someone else, or if you want to use a different Google Account yourself, the steps are straightforward. If you are trying to regain access to a Chromebook you own but cannot sign into, the process is different and involves recovery mode.
Key Takeaways
- Sign out of the current Google Account by clicking the profile picture in the bottom right corner, then select "Sign out".
- On the sign-in screen, click "Add person" to create a new owner account or sign in with an existing Google Account.
- The new account becomes the owner once you sign in; the old account's files remain on the device but the new owner controls settings.
- If you forget the owner password, you will need to use recovery mode and a USB drive to reset the device.
- Changing the owner does not delete apps or files from the previous account — they stay on the device but are not accessible to the new owner without permission.
How to sign out and hand over the Chromebook
Click the profile picture or user icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, next to the time. A menu will appear with your account name and email address. Select "Sign out" from this menu.
You will be taken to the sign-in screen. The Chromebook is now ready for a new owner to sign in. Click "Add person" or "Sign in" and enter the Google Account email and password for whoever will be the new owner. If that person does not have a Google Account yet, they can create one during this step by selecting "Create account".
Once the new account signs in successfully, that account becomes the owner. The Chromebook will sync that person's Google Drive files, email, and settings. The previous owner's account will still exist on the device, but the new owner controls the device settings and can manage which accounts are allowed to use it.
What happens to files and apps from the old owner
Files stored in Google Drive are tied to the Google Account, not the device. When the old owner signed in, their Drive files were accessible through the Files app. Once a new owner signs in, those old files are no longer visible to the new owner unless the old owner shared them or gave permission.
Apps installed by the old owner stay on the Chromebook, but the new owner may not have the same access to them. Some apps are tied to the account that installed them. The new owner can install their own apps from the Chrome Web Store without affecting the old owner's installations.
If the new owner needs access to the old owner's files, the old owner can share them through Google Drive or sign back into the Chromebook using their account to retrieve them. Both accounts can exist on the same device, but only one account is the owner at a time.
How to add a second account without changing the owner
You do not have to change the owner to let someone else use the Chromebook. You can add a second account while keeping the original owner in place. Click the profile picture in the bottom right, then select "Add person". Enter the email and password for the second account.
That person can now sign in and use the Chromebook, but the original owner remains in control of device settings. The original owner can remove the second account at any time by going to Settings, then "Manage other people", and selecting the account to remove.
Resetting the owner if you forget the password
If you are locked out of the Chromebook and cannot remember the owner password, you will need to use recovery mode. This process erases the device and returns it to factory settings, so you should only do this if you own the Chromebook or have permission from the owner.
Shut down the Chromebook completely. Press and hold Escape and Refresh (the circular arrow key at the top of the keyboard), then press Power. Keep holding until you see the recovery screen. Insert a USB drive with at least 4 GB of space. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a recovery image, then use it to reset the device.
After recovery mode completes, the Chromebook will restart and show the sign-in screen. You can then sign in with any Google Account to set up a new owner. This process removes all accounts and files from the device, so use it only as a last resort.
Transferring a Chromebook to a new user at work or school
If the Chromebook is managed by a school or workplace, you may not be able to change the owner yourself. Managed devices are controlled by an administrator who can remove accounts and reset ownership remotely. Contact your IT department or school tech support to request a transfer.
The administrator will sign out the old account and may reset the device before handing it to the new user. This ensures the new user has a clean device with no access to the previous user's files or settings. Do not attempt recovery mode on a managed device without permission, as it may trigger security alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two people own the same Chromebook?
No. Only one account can be the owner at a time. However, multiple accounts can be set up on the same device. The owner controls settings and can manage which other accounts are allowed to sign in. Other accounts can use the device but cannot change settings or remove the owner account.
Will changing the owner delete my files?
Files in Google Drive are not deleted when you change the owner. They stay in the old owner's Drive account. The new owner cannot see them unless the old owner shares them. Files stored only on the Chromebook itself (not in Drive) may be lost if the device is reset, but a straightforward sign-out and sign-in does not erase them.
What if I want to use two different Google Accounts on the same Chromebook?
You can add multiple accounts to one Chromebook. Sign out, click "Add person", and sign in with the second account. Both accounts will exist on the device. You can switch between them by clicking the profile picture and selecting the other account. Only one account is the owner, but both can use the device.
Do I need a password to change the owner?
Yes. You must know the current owner's password to sign out. If you do not have it, you will need to use recovery mode, which erases the device. If the Chromebook is managed by a school or workplace, contact the administrator instead of attempting recovery mode.
Can I change the owner on a managed Chromebook?
No. Managed Chromebooks are controlled by a school or workplace administrator. You cannot change the owner yourself. Contact your IT department or school tech support to request ownership transfer. They will handle the change and may reset the device as part of the process.