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New Google tools make recovering your account and staying safe online simpler than ever
Ever been locked out of your Google account and wished someone could just vouch for you? Well, Google’s new update might be the next best thing. The company is rolling out a suite of new privacy and recovery tools designed to make life easier—and safer—when it comes to your online identity.
A Helping Hand from Friends
The biggest highlight of this update is Recovery Contacts, a brand-new way to regain access to your Google account. You can now add trusted friends or family members as your safety net in case you lose your device or forget your password.
Here’s how it works:
When you’re locked out, you can choose one of your recovery contacts to help verify your identity. They’ll receive a special code that’s valid for 15 minutes, and once you enter it, you’ll be back in your account. Each contact has to approve your request to be added, and you can have up to 10 recovery contacts. There’s also a built-in cool-off period—after you use a contact for recovery, you’ll have to wait seven days before you can use them again.
This small but thoughtful addition could be a lifesaver, especially for those who’ve dealt with the stress of account recovery emails or lost devices.
Sign In with Your Phone Number
Google is also making it easier to sign in or recover your account using your mobile number. This feature connects your phone number to your Google identity, letting you quickly find all linked accounts. Even better, you can use your previous device’s screen lock pattern or passcode to verify yourself—no need to remember every password. This rollout is happening globally, so expect to see it soon on your devices.
Taking on Spam and Scams
Google isn’t stopping at recovery tools. The company is doubling down on spam and scam protection across Android products.
If you’re a Google Messages user, you’ll soon benefit from new suspicious link detection. When you tap on a shady-looking link, the app will flag it and warn you before you land on a potentially dangerous site.
For those who love security transparency, Google has added a key verifier in Messages. This lets you scan a QR code to confirm your contact’s identity and ensure your conversations stay truly end-to-end encrypted—no prying eyes allowed.
A Fun Way to Learn About Online Safety
And because education is just as important as protection, Google is launching a new interactive game called “Be Scam Ready.” It’s designed to teach users how to spot and avoid common online scams through real-life scenarios. It’s a playful way to learn something that could actually save you from fraud.
A Step Forward for Everyday Security
With these updates, Google is blending convenience and safety in a way that feels refreshingly human. Whether you’re recovering a lost account or dodging phishing scams, these tools put more control back in your hands—and now, a little bit in your friends’ hands too.
