Chrome for iOS: Seamlessly Switch Between Google Accounts

New Chrome Feature Simplifies Google Account Switching on iOS

Google revealed on Monday the rollout of a new functionality for iOS users. This feature facilitates effortless transitions between work and personal Google accounts within the Chrome browser.

Previously, iOS users were required to fully sign out of one Google account before logging into another. This process had to be repeated each time access to a different account was needed.

Addressing the Need for Seamless Account Management

“A significant number of individuals utilize their mobile devices for a combination of professional and personal activities, frequently managing multiple Google Accounts,” Google stated in a recent blog post. “This often resulted in the inconvenience of constant sign-in and sign-out cycles.”

Chrome now provides support for managed account browsing, establishing a clear separation of data from other browsing activities and enabling smooth account switching.

Enhanced Data Separation and Security

When a user signs in to, or switches to, their work Google account within Chrome, all browsing activity associated with their organization is isolated.

This includes local data such as tabs, browsing history, and saved passwords, which remain exclusively within the managed account browsing environment. Google emphasizes that this update benefits both individual users and IT administrators.

The Shift Towards BYOD Policies

This update arrives as many organizations are moving away from providing company-owned mobile phones. Consequently, employees are increasingly accessing company resources from their personal devices.

Google asserts that the improved account switching experience and data segregation “empower businesses to support employees’ preference for using their chosen devices.”

Onboarding and Organizational Control

Upon initial sign-in or switching to a managed account, users will encounter an onboarding screen. This screen clarifies the separation of managed account browsing and details how their organization manages their data.

Organizations retain control over how existing browsing data is handled when a user first signs in or transitions to a managed account. Users receive a notification confirming they are entering a managed browsing experience after switching.

Advanced Security Features for IT Departments

Google also announced the integration of more sophisticated security features that IT departments can deploy.

Expanded Reporting Capabilities

Chrome Enterprise’s reporting functionalities are now extended to both Android and iOS platforms. This allows organizations to transmit crucial data concerning security incidents to their preferred security investigation tools.

These tools include the Google Admin console, Chrome logs, or a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system. Google states this enhancement enables IT teams to make more informed security decisions.

URL Filtering on iOS

Furthermore, Google is introducing URL filtering to iOS. This feature empowers organizations to restrict employee access to specific websites, such as prohibited Generative AI sites, at a category level.

Employees attempting to access blocked sites can be redirected to approved corporate services.