Google Sheets is a handy mobile spreadsheet app that provides robust collaborative editing capabilities on the go. After accessing your Sheets files on an iPhone, signing out properly ensures account security and prevents unauthorized access.
This guide covers simple steps to sign out of Google Sheets on an iPhone or iPad. We’ll also look at managing multiple accounts, changing passwords safely, and securing private sheets data.
Advantages of the Google Sheets App
The Google Sheets app for iPhone provides:
- Access spreadsheets stored on Google Drive
- View, edit, and format sheets on the go
- Add rows, columns, cells formulas, and more
- Live collaboration with other editors
- Offline accessibility when no connection
- Full optimization for iPhone and iPad
The robust feature set makes Google Sheets a leading mobile spreadsheet solution. After use, properly signing out helps keep your account and files secure.
Reasons to Sign Out of Sheets on iPhone
Top reasons to sign out of the Google Sheets app on an iPhone include:
- Prevent unauthorized access if device is lost or stolen
- Stop syncing with Google Drive when connection issues
- Manage multiple Google accounts on one iPhone
- Share an iPhone with other users
- Pause notifications when focusing without distractions
- Suspend activity tracking when sheets contain private data
- Troubleshoot technical login or sync problems
Knowing key sign out motivations helps maintain security best practices.
Accessing Account Settings to Sign Out
To sign out of the Sheets app on an iPhone:
- Launch the Google Sheets app
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner
- Select the “Settings” option
- Scroll down and choose “Sign out”
- Confirm signing out in the pop-up prompt
You will immediately be signed out of Sheets and any other logged in Google apps.
Additional Ways to Sign Out of iPhone Sheets App
A couple other ways to sign out within the Sheets iOS app include:
- If signed in with Google account, go to profile picture > Google account > Sign out
- If signed in via enterprise domain, tap domain name > Domain account > Remove account
Both of these additional methods will also sign you out of the Sheets app on iPhone.
Troubleshooting Sign Out Issues on iPhone
If having trouble signing out of Google Sheets on an iPhone, try:
- Force quitting and restarting the Sheets app
- Double checking profile settings for sign out feature
- Turning iPhone off and on to clear any app crashes
- Updating to the latest Sheets version from the App Store
- Deleting and reinstalling the Sheets app if necessary
- Signing out from sheets.google.com on a desktop as alternative
These troubleshooting tips should resolve most sign out difficulties.
Securing Private Sheets When Signing Out
Before signing out from a shared or public iPhone, protect private sheets:
- Enable 2-step verification for your Google account
- Check iPhone backup settings don’t include Sheets documents
- Turn on encryption for sensitive Google Drive files
- Make confidential sheets inaccessible when not signed in
These precautions keep your sensitive data secure if signing out on a borrowed device.
Resetting Passwords Before Sign Out
On a shared iPhone, reset your Sheets password before signing out:
- While still signed in, change Google account password
- Sign out of Sheets app on iPhone
- Don’t save new password when prompted on next sign in
This stops others from accessing your account with a reused password.
Managing Multiple Google Accounts
To switch accounts and sign out properly on iPhone:
- Add other accounts in Sheets app profile settings
- Tap account profile icon to toggle between accounts
- Fully sign out before switching to keep separate
The app makes it easy to swap logins to manage multiple accounts.
Using Airplane Mode to Lock Editing
Engaging Airplane Mode on your iPhone temporarily suspends syncing:
- Allows viewing sheets but blocks live editing
- Prevents changes from syncing online
- Lets you securely share screen without modifications
Airplane Mode is useful for sharing docs when signed in without changes syncing.
Signing Back In After Sign Out
When ready to resume editing Sheets:
- Simply launch the Sheets app and re-enter your credentials
- Tap “Yes” if asked to trust the computer for auto sign-in going forward
- Previously open spreadsheets will reload ready for editing
Signing back in takes seconds to pick up right where you left off.
Private Browsing Mode On iOS
Safari private browsing prevents Sheets sign in state from being retained locally:
- Access sheets.google.com in Safari then enable private browsing
- Use normal sign in > close tab when done > disable private browsing
- Cookies and site data will not be persistent
This provides added privacy by not retaining login data.
Clearing Cookies and Temporary Files
In iPhone Settings app, periodically:
- Clear Safari browser history and cookies
- Delete cached temporary files
- Turn on “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking”
This removes persistent sign-in data for extra security.
Why iPhones Save Passwords
Saving passwords makes sign in convenient but less secure:
- iOS Keychain stores passwords encrypted for auto sign-in
- Requires Face ID or passcode for Keychain access
- AutoFill passwords streamline login but risks account hijacking
Only save passwords if device secured and solely for your use.
Auto Sign-In and Staying Signed In
Two iPhone settings allowing persistent authentication:
- Auto Sign-In when launching Google Sheets app
- Stay Signed In on browser reloads
These provide convenience but weaken account security when device is borrowed.
Two-Factor Authentication for Security
Use two-factor login for better Sheet account safety:
- Enable 2-Step Verification in Google account settings
- Use codes from an authenticator app to login
- Requires both password and rotating verification code
This prevents account hijacking even if password compromised.
Signing Out on a Shared iPhone
When using a shared iPhone, cautious security measures include:
- Turn off Auto Sign-In in Sheets app settings
- Don’t save account password when prompted
- Fully sign out of all Google apps when done
- Delete sheets from “Recent” visibility
These precautions keep your Sheets usage more private on a public device.
Signing Out of Google Sheets Website
If signed in on sheets.google.com:
- Select your profile icon > Sign Out
- Or close all browser windows which logs you out
- Clicking “Stay Signed In” retains login state
Remember to sign out of the website in addition to iOS app.
Frequently Asked Questions About Signing Out of Google Sheets on iPhone
Does Google Sheets sign me out automatically after being idle on iPhone?
No, Google Sheets does not automatically sign you out after inactivity on iPhone. You must manually sign out using the profile menu or by closing the app completely to end your logged in session securely.
If I delete the Google Sheets app does it sign me out?
No, deleting the Google Sheets app itself does not sign you out or disconnect your Google account. Make sure to open Sheets and sign out properly before deleting the app to ensure you are logged out.
Can I use Siri shortcuts to sign out of Google Sheets?
Yes, you can create a Siri voice command shortcut that opens the Google Sheets app, goes to settings, and signs you out. This enables hands-free voice-activated sign out on iPhone.
What’s the easiest way to switch Google accounts in Sheets?
The fastest way to swap accounts is to add multiple accounts in Sheets settings. Then tap the profile icon to toggle between accounts and sign in to the one desired.
How can I tell if someone else accesses my Sheets account on iPhone?
Check account activity for unrecognized sessions and logins. Enable 2-step verification which requires confirming with an authenticator app code when signing in from new devices.
Conclusion
In summary, signing out of the Google Sheets app on iPhone involves accessing your profile settings and selecting “Sign Out”.
Passcode-protecting your iPhone, enabling two-factor login, and frequently resetting passwords also boosts security when accessing Sheets from a shared iOS device.
Using these best practices keeps your Google account and private sheets data safe, whether accessing Sheets from your own iPhone or a borrowed device.
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