Sign in to the desktop app

Desktop sign-in may use your browser on purpose

The ALLO desktop app can sign in through a secure browser handoff. If you choose Google or another browser-based sign-in method, ALLO may open your default browser, ask you to complete sign-in there, then return you to the desktop app. That is expected.

Email sign-in may stay inside the desktop app. The exact path depends on the sign-in method your account uses.

Availability

Sign in with browser handoff

1. Open the ALLO desktop app.
2. Choose your sign-in method.
3. If your browser opens, complete sign-in in the browser.
4. Allow the browser to return to ALLO if your operating system asks.
5. Wait for the desktop app to finish loading your workspace.

If your browser asks whether to open ALLO, choose Open ALLO. If you cancel that prompt, the browser may show that sign-in succeeded but the desktop app will not receive the session.

Sign in with email

If you use email sign-in, enter the same email address you use for ALLO on web. If ALLO sends a code or link, use the newest message and check spam, promotions, and company mail filters. If the email never arrives, see When an invite does not arrive and When you can't log in.

If you use a managed organization sign-in method, your company identity provider may control password reset, multi-factor prompts, and access policies. ALLO cannot bypass those provider rules.

Use the same account everywhere

Different email addresses are different ALLO accounts. If desktop shows different work than the browser, check the account email in both places. You may have signed into one surface with a work email and another with a personal email.

If you accidentally created a second account, ask the workspace admin to invite the correct email address or contact support before building more work in the wrong account.

What happens after sign-in

After sign-in, the desktop app loads the same workspaces and permissions as web. It may restore previous tabs and windows. If restored tabs point to work you no longer have access to, those tabs may show an access or not-found message instead of the old content.

If you changed language, account, or workspace settings in another surface, refresh or restart the desktop app if it shows stale information.

Sign out or switch accounts

Use the account menu in the desktop app to sign out. If you cannot reach the app, sign out the desktop session from another trusted browser through Manage active sessions.

When switching accounts, close sensitive tabs first if you are on a shared computer. The restored tab list is local desktop state, but protected content still requires the signed-in account to have permission.

If the browser does not return to ALLO

Try this sequence:

1. Update the desktop app using Update the desktop app.
2. Set a normal default browser temporarily if your current browser blocks app links.
3. Start sign-in again from the desktop app.
4. When the browser asks to open ALLO, allow it.
5. If nothing happens, quit and reopen the desktop app, then retry.

Security tools, browser extensions, private browsing modes, and managed browser policies can block the return step. If your company manages the computer, ask IT whether app links are blocked.

If sign-in loops or opens the wrong account

When to contact support

Contact support when browser sign-in says it succeeded but the desktop app never receives it after update and retry, the app opens a blank screen after sign-in, or you are stuck between two accounts. Include your OS, desktop app version if visible, sign-in method, account email, browser used, and whether your computer is managed by an organization.