Android: Change Main Google Account

Once you setup your Android device and link it to a Google Account, the account you used becomes the central account for your Google apps and services. But what if you want to change the account? Here are a few options for what you can do.

Non-rooted Users

Option 1 – Factory Reset

Perform a factory hard reset on the device. You can normally do this under “Settings” > “Backup & reset” > “Factory data reset“. Doing this will wipe all data and settings from the device. After the reset and reboot, you can set up the device like new using a new Google account.

Option 2 – Add New Account & Remove Old Account

1. Go to “Settings” > “Accounts“.
2. Select “Add account“.
3. Choose “Google“.
4. Enter the credentials for the new Google account, and complete adding it to the device.
5. Once the new account is added, go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Google“.
6. Select the old account you wish to remove.
7. Select the menu button  at the upper-left corner, then choose “Remove account“.

Rooted Users

If you have root access to your device, you’re in luck. There is a handy trick you can use to change the main Google account without performing a hard reset.

1. Download and install Root Explorer.
2. Open “Root Explorer” and select “Allow” to allow root access if prompted.
3. Navigate to the /data/system directory.
4. Tap and hold the “accounts.db” file, then select “Rename“.
   
5. Rename the file to “accounts.db.old” to make a backup of the file.
   
6. Restart your Android device.
7. Once the device restarts, open an app that requires a Google account such as Google Play, Gmail or Hangouts. You will be prompted to create a new account or login using an existing account. That’s all there is to it.