Securing Your Gmail Account: An Expert Guide on Signing Out Completely

Over 4 billion Gmail accounts exist today, making it the world‘s largest email service. With so much personal information within our inboxes, it‘s crucial we take precautions to avoid becoming victims of email hacking which affected over 100 million Gmail users in 2022 alone according to FBI statistics.

The good news? You can dramatically reduce your exposure to unauthorized access by regularly signing out of your Gmail app and account. Although quick and easy, this simple practice adds a vital layer of protection across your devices.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide in-depth instructions tailored for both mobile and desktop users on how to fully sign out. Follow these pro tips to start safeguarding your account.

Overview: Why You Should Sign Out of All Gmail Sessions

Beyond closing the app or browser tab, formally signing out removes authenticated access so no one else can enter your account–even from devices you regularly use. Here are 3 key reasons this matters:

1. Prevent access on lost or stolen devices

According to Norton Security, over 2 million smartphones are lost annually in the US. Failing to sign out leaves your email vulnerable to intruders. Signing out ensures any device separated from you loses access.

2. Limit exposure on public computers

Logging out protects previous users from accessing your inbox if using a library or internet cafe computer. Always sign out of any shared devices when finished.

3. Monitor unauthorized logins

Routinely signing out then back in allows you to catch suspicious new sessions accessed from unrecognized locations. This signals it‘s time to change your password.

Now let‘s explore your various options to sign out of Gmail smoothly.

Method 1: Sign Out via Computer

For desktop users accessing Gmail through Chrome, Safari or other browsers, here is the process to sign out:

1. Navigate to Gmail inbox page
2. Click expandable profile icon in top right dropdown menu
3. Select Sign out option

• If multiple Google accounts are logged into this browser session, choose Sign out all accounts to remove authenticated access from all simultaneously.

To log out of just one account when multiple are active:

1. Visit your Google Account security page
2. Under Your Devices, select Manage All Devices
3. Identify the device/browser session to remove and click Sign Out

This instantly ends the session for only this account, allowing you to stay logged into all other Google accounts in that browser.

Pros: Quick process, option to selectively sign out only one linked account

Cons: Need to scan all devices to find the current browser session to revoke

Method 2: Sign Out via Android App

The native Gmail app for Android features two paths to log out: through Settings or inside the App menu:

Sign Out via Android Settings App

1. Open device Settings
2. Tap Accounts > Google
3. Select your account name
4. Choose Remove Account to fully sign out

Sign Out Inside Gmail App

1. Tap expandable profile icon
2. Select Manage Accounts
3. Tap the account name
4. Choose Remove Account

Both options completely sign you out of Google across all apps.

Pros: Quick, easily accessible log out path

Cons: Signs you out system-wide across Google services

Method 3: Sign Out on iPhone or iPad

Apple iOS also provides direct sign out functionality within the Gmail app:

1. Inside Gmail, tap circular profile icon
2. Select Manage Accounts
3. Tap account name
4. Choose Remove from Device to sign out

Tip: To only temporarily deactivate rather than fully remove access, toggle the Account switch left instead of selecting Remove.

Pros: Easy access, option to just pause account without removing

Cons: Need to re-add account if fully removed

Method 4: Change Gmail Password

An instant way to get signed out of literally every device is to change your current Gmail password:

1. Visit your Google Account security page in browser
2. Under Signing In To Google, select Password
3. Enter your current password
4. Input a new password
5. Confirm new password
6. Click blue Change Password button

Google instantly revokes access across all previously authorized sessions using the old password. Anyone (including you!) will need to sign in again with newly updated credentials.

Pros: Near instant global sign out from everywhere

Cons: Inconvenient personally since you need new password next time you login

Method 5: Enable 2-Step Verification

In addition to entering your password, enabling two-step verification requires inputting a 6-digit code generated from your phone before gaining account access from new devices.

You can set this up under Security settings:

1. Select 2-Step Verification
2. Click Get Started
3. Enter phone # to receive codes via text/call
4. Input emailed/texted 6-digit verification code
5. Select Turn On

Once activated, visit Devices You Trust section:

1. Click Revoke All to instantly get signed out everywhere
2. Return login requests back to untrusted pending your personal code + password entry

This precaution especially protects against password theft by introducing a second validation factor via your exclusive device possession.

Pros: Extra login assurance if password gets compromised

Cons: More steps to sign in again personally

How to View Recent Gmail Account Activity

Routinely checking your recent sessions provides visibility into anyone accessing your account.

Under Security settings visit Signing in to Google > Review Recent Activity:

This displays details on:

• Date, time and location of logins
• Device type and browser
• IP addresses of sessions

Scrutinize your list for unusual activity like logins from foreign addresses. This signals it‘s time to change your password.

Summary of Ways to Sign Out of Gmail

Key Takeaways

• Make routinely signing out of Gmail app and website a regular security habit
• Changing password or enabling 2FA also signs you out everywhere instantly
• Check recent activity report for clues on unauthorized access

Following this guide equips you to start safeguarding your Gmail inbox and maintaining total control over account access.