How can someone borrow my Chromebook without opening my files?
Quick answer
For a one-time borrower, sign out of your Chromebook and select “Browse as Guest,” if that option is available. Guest browsing is intended for temporary use, and its session files and browsing data are deleted when the session ends. For someone who will use the Chromebook regularly, consider allowing them to sign in with their own Google Account instead. These options provide separate sessions or profiles, but do not promise that all activity is private.
The question, the details, the next step.
Someone needs to borrow my Chromebook for a little while. What should I do so they don’t open my files?
For a one-time borrow, sign out of your account and have them use Guest browsing: from the sign-in screen, choose “Browse as Guest.” Guest browsing is intended for temporary use. When the guest exits, files and browsing data from that guest session are deleted. [S1]
This uses a guest session rather than handing over your signed-in profile. If Guest browsing is unavailable, don’t hand over the Chromebook while your own account is signed in. A work or school administrator may restrict Guest browsing. [S1]
Would it be better to add their Google Account instead?
That can suit someone who will use the Chromebook regularly. The Chromebook owner can allow another person to sign in with their own Google Account; Google says each person’s files and information are kept separate, with synced Chrome data available in that person’s profile. Sign-in settings or an administrator may still restrict this option. [S2]
For a short visit, Guest browsing is the option described for temporary use. For recurring use, a separate account gives the borrower their own profile rather than making your signed-in profile their workspace. These options provide separate sessions or profiles; they are not a guarantee about every kind of information on a shared device.
Can I tell them that Guest browsing keeps everything they do private?
No. Guest browsing does not make all activity invisible. Visited sites, network operators, an employer or school, an internet provider, and search engines may still receive information. [S1]
A useful distinction is: Guest browsing is a temporary-use option, but it is not a promise of secrecy about internet activity. If they need to use an account or service, they should consider whether it is appropriate for a shared device and sign out of it when finished.
What should I actually say and check before I hand it over?
You can say: “I’ve signed out. Please choose ‘Browse as Guest’ for this temporary session. When you’re finished, exit Guest browsing. Please don’t use my account.”
Then check the sign-in screen together: confirm that your account is signed out and that Guest browsing is available. Explain that the guest session’s files and browsing data are deleted when it ends, but activity may still be visible to websites or network operators. [S1] If Guest is unavailable, pause rather than giving them your signed-in session; check the permitted account options or ask the school or workplace administrator.
A practical checklist
Decide whether this is temporary borrowing or regular use.
For temporary use, sign out and check whether “Browse as Guest” is available.
For regular use, consider allowing the borrower to sign in with their own Google Account.
Do not hand over the Chromebook while your own account is signed in.
Explain that Guest browsing does not hide all activity from websites, networks, or administrators.
Ask the borrower to exit the guest session when finished.
A few more useful answers
What if “Browse as Guest” does not appear?
Guest browsing may be restricted by a work or school administrator. Check the device’s permitted account options or ask the administrator; don’t give the borrower your signed-in session as a workaround. [S1]
Does exiting Guest browsing delete the guest session?
Google says exiting Guest browsing deletes that session’s files, cookies, website data, and browsing activity. This does not mean websites or network operators could not have received information during the session. [S1]
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Use a Chromebook as a guest support.google.com · Checked
- [S2] Add a person to your Chromebook support.google.com · Checked