Google introduces fullscreen account switcher on Android, starting with Gmail

Google is rolling out a redesigned fullscreen account switcher for its apps, beginning with Gmail on Android.

What’s Changing?

Previously, the Google Account switcher appeared as an overlay, showing your current screen in the background. Now, the new design takes up the entire screen when you switch accounts.

• The background uses Dynamic Color theming based on your device settings.
• At the top-right corner, there’s an ‘X’ button to close the switcher. You can also close it by going back or choosing an account.

What the New Interface Looks Like:

1. Centered Email and Profile: At the top, you’ll see your email address, a large profile picture, and a greeting like “Hi, [name]!”
2. Manage Account Button: A large button labeled “Manage your Google Account” comes next.
3. Switch Account Section: This section lets you switch accounts, add a new account, or manage accounts on your device.
4. Additional Information: Gmail continues to show “Storage used” at the bottom.
5. Privacy and Terms: Buttons for “Privacy Policy” and “Terms of service” appear at the end.

Why the Fullscreen Design?

While some users may find this fullscreen view excessive, it aligns with Google’s web interface for better consistency across devices. The design makes account switching more visible and user-friendly, especially for casual users.

However, power users might feel it interrupts navigation, particularly in apps like Play Store, Gemini, and Google Search, where the account menu also includes shortcuts and settings.

Quick Account Switching Stays

For experienced users, Google’s swipe gesture (introduced in 2019) remains. You can still swipe up or down on your profile picture to quickly switch accounts without opening the fullscreen view.

Availability

The fullscreen account switcher is currently appearing in Gmail for Android version 2024.11.24.x. It’s not widely available yet and hasn’t been rolled out to other Google apps.

Google is likely testing this design before expanding it to more apps in the future.