How to change the main Google account on your Android phone

Using your Android phone to check your work emails and calendar often requires you to connect your work Google account with your phone.  Usually, that’s very easy to do.  You create an additional Google account on your phone, choose what should be syncronized and you’re set. 

However, for some mysterious reasons, some people experienced an unanounced switch of their primary Google account on their phone, making their work or university email the phone’s main account.  What does ‘primary account’ actually mean?  The primary Google account is used for Google Now card, voice commands as well as all searches done with Google.  Especially the fact that all searches go through the main account presents a privacy issue if any personal searches are performed with your work or school email.  On top of that, switching accounts may lead to Google Now not working properly.  Getting the error “Google Now is turned off for your domain.”  indicates that your accounts have been switched. 

How to switch your primary Google account

Switching back to the original setup in which your private account is the primary and your work/school account the secondary one is very easy.  Just follow the steps below:

Open your Google settings (either from within your phone’s settings or by opening the Google settings app). 

Go to Search & Now > Accounts & privacy. 

Now, select ‘Google Account’ on the top and choose the one which should be the primary account for Google Now and Search

That’s it!  I hope this short guide was helpful.  If you had any issues, feel free to drop a comment.