How to Secure Your Google Account on Android

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CE: User Access Control⏱ 15 minutesEasy

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Account access checklist

Start with these four steps: they provide the most protection for the least effort:

Enable 2-Step Verification: myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification
Use a unique, strong password not used on any other site
Check your recovery email and phone number are still correct and accessible
Sign out of any devices you no longer use: myaccount.google.com > Security > Your devices

4 steps

Run a Google Security Checkup

Google's Security Checkup walks you through all the key account security settings in one place:

Go to myaccount.google.com and tap "Security Checkup"
Review each section: Google will flag anything that needs attention
Pay particular attention to: connected apps, recent security events, and saved passwords
Revoke access for any third-party apps you no longer use or do not recognise

4 steps

Review third-party app access

Many apps request access to your Google account for sign-in or to read your email and calendar. Review this list regularly:

Go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Third-party apps with account access
Remove any app you no longer use or do not recognise
Be especially cautious of apps with access to Gmail: they can read all your email
Prefer apps that use "Sign in with Google" over those asking for your Google password directly

4 steps

Monitor for suspicious activity

Set up alerts so you know if anything unusual happens to your account:

Go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Recent security activity
If you see a sign-in you do not recognise, change your password immediately and review your devices
Enable Google's security alerts by email so you are notified of unusual sign-ins automatically
Set up Find My Device to be able to locate and remotely wipe your phone if needed

4 steps

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Securing your Google account

Account access checklist

Run a Google Security Checkup

Review third-party app access

Monitor for suspicious activity