The Chrome Sign-in Link
By default, Google Chrome links your browser profile directly to your Google account. This means that if you open Chrome and log into your Gmail or Google Drive on the web, Chrome automatically signs you into the browser software itself at the exact same time. This triggers the browser to start syncing your bookmarks, browsing history, and passwords to Google’s servers. If you are using a public computer, a shared family laptop, or simply want to keep your web browsing isolated from your email account, this automatic sign-in behaviour is a significant privacy concern.
How to Unlink Web Logins from the Browser
You can configure Chrome to allow you to log into Google websites without ever signing into the Chrome browser profile itself.
1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner to open the main menu.
3. Select Settings.
4. In the left-hand sidebar, click on You and Google.
5. Click on the Sync and Google services menu option.
6. Scroll down to the “Other Google services” section.
7. Look for the toggle switch labelled Allow Chrome sign-in.
8. Click the toggle to turn it Off.
Applying the Changes
After turning the toggle switch off, Chrome will prompt you to restart the browser for the changes to take effect. Click the blue Relaunch button that appears next to the setting. Once Chrome restarts, you will be completely signed out of the browser profile. You can now safely log into Gmail, YouTube, or Google Docs on the web, and your local browsing history and bookmarks will remain strictly on your local hard drive, completely isolated from your Google account.