If you manage a personal profile and a brand account on Bluesky, you likely need to switch between them several times a day. The Bluesky app does not include a built-in multi-account switcher like some other social platforms. Instead, you must log out of one account and log in to another each time you want to change profiles. This article explains the exact steps to switch accounts on the Bluesky mobile app for iOS and Android, and on the web version. You will also learn how to save your login credentials securely to speed up the process.
Key Takeaways: Switching Bluesky Accounts Quickly
- Settings > Sign Out: Logs you out of the current account and returns you to the login screen.
- App password saved in a password manager: Allows you to paste credentials without retyping them each time.
- Web browser incognito window: Lets you keep one account logged in on the main browser while using another in private mode.
Why Bluesky Does Not Have a Native Account Switcher
Bluesky is still in an early development phase. The development team has prioritized core features such as custom feeds, moderation tools, and the AT Protocol. A multi-account switcher is not yet available on any platform. The only supported method to change accounts is to sign out and sign back in. This affects both the mobile app on iOS and Android and the web version at bsky.app.
Because Bluesky uses the AT Protocol, each account is tied to a unique handle and a distinct set of cryptographic keys. The app does not store multiple key pairs simultaneously. When you sign out, the app clears the current session data. When you sign in again, it creates a new session for the second account. This design makes the switch process safe but manual.
Steps to Switch Accounts on the Bluesky Mobile App
The following steps apply to both iOS and Android versions of the Bluesky app. The interface is nearly identical on both platforms.
- Open the Settings menu
Tap your profile picture in the bottom navigation bar. Then tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of your profile screen. - Scroll down and tap Sign Out
In the Settings screen, scroll to the bottom of the list. Tap the red Sign Out button. A confirmation dialog appears. Tap Sign Out again to confirm. - Return to the login screen
After signing out, the app displays the login screen. You see fields for handle or email and password. - Enter the second account’s credentials
Type the handle or email address of the second account. Then type the app password. Do not use your main Bluesky password. Use an app password created in Settings > Privacy and Security > App Passwords. - Tap Sign In
After entering the credentials, tap the blue Sign In button. The app loads the second account’s feeds and settings.
Steps to Switch Accounts on the Bluesky Web Version
The web version at bsky.app follows the same sign-out and sign-in pattern. The interface is slightly different because it uses a sidebar layout.
- Open the sidebar menu
Click your profile picture or avatar in the top-left corner of the screen. A dropdown menu appears. - Select Settings
In the dropdown, click Settings. The Settings page opens. - Scroll to the bottom and click Sign Out
Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page. Click the red Sign Out button. Confirm by clicking Sign Out in the dialog. - Enter the second account’s credentials
On the login page, type the handle or email and the app password for the second account. - Click Sign In
Click the blue Sign In button. The web app reloads with the second account active.
How to Speed Up the Switching Process
Because you must type credentials each time, you can reduce friction by using a password manager and app passwords.
Use App Passwords Instead of Your Main Password
Bluesky recommends using app passwords for third-party clients and for manual sign-in. An app password is a 16-character code that you generate once. It works only with the account you created it for. To create an app password, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > App Passwords and tap Add App Password. Name it something like “Account Switcher” and copy the generated code. Save this code in your password manager alongside the account’s handle.
Store Credentials in a Password Manager
A password manager such as 1Password, Bitwarden, or iCloud Keychain can store the handle and app password for each account. When you need to sign in, open the password manager, copy the app password, and paste it into the password field. This method is faster than typing the password manually and eliminates typos.
Use a Separate Browser Profile or Incognito Window
On desktop, you can keep one account logged in on the main browser window. Open a second browser profile or an incognito window and log in to the second account there. This method avoids repeated sign-outs. However, it uses more memory and requires you to manage two browser windows.
Common Mistakes and Limitations When Switching Accounts
Several issues can make the switching process frustrating. Understanding them helps you avoid wasted time.
You Cannot Switch Accounts Without Signing Out First
There is no toggle or button to switch accounts directly. You must always sign out of the current account. Attempting to sign in while already logged in results in an error message saying you are already signed in. The only workaround is to use a separate browser or device.
App Passwords Expire or Stop Working
Bluesky app passwords do not expire by default. However, if you change your main Bluesky password, all existing app passwords are revoked. You must generate new app passwords for each account after a password change. If an app password stops working, delete it from the App Passwords list and create a new one.
Notifications Mix Between Accounts on the Same Device
When you sign out of one account and sign in to another, the app stops receiving push notifications for the first account. If you want notifications for both accounts, you need two devices or a device and a browser. For example, keep one account on the mobile app and the other on the web version in a different browser profile.
The Login Screen Shows the Previous Handle
After signing out, the login screen may auto-fill the handle of the account you just signed out of. This is a convenience feature, not a bug. Simply delete the pre-filled handle and type the handle of the second account. The app does not cache the password, so you must type or paste it each time.
Bluesky Account Switching Methods Compared
| Method | Speed | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Sign out and sign in on mobile app | Slow | Moderate |
| Sign out and sign in on web version | Slow | Moderate |
| Two browser profiles on desktop | Fast | High |
| One account on mobile, one on web | Fast | High |
You can now switch between multiple Bluesky accounts by signing out and signing in on the app or web version. To save time, set up app passwords for each account and store them in a password manager. For the fastest experience, keep one account logged in on your mobile app and the other on a desktop browser in a separate profile. Bluesky may add a native account switcher in a future update, but until then these methods work reliably.