Google’s New Feature: Enlist Friends to Recover Your Account

Google Introduces New Recovery Tools for Account Access

Google is rolling out new features to simplify the process of regaining access to locked accounts. Instead of traditional methods like security questions or recovery email addresses, users can now verify their identity using a linked mobile number or trusted contacts.

Recovery Contacts for Enhanced Security

With the introduction of Recovery Contacts, users can designate individuals to confirm their identity in case of a hack or lost password. This feature provides a secure and straightforward way to regain access when standard recovery methods fail. It can be accessed through the Security option in account settings for eligible personal Google accounts.

Sign in with Mobile Number for Android Users

Google is also launching “Sign in with Mobile Number,” a feature designed for Android users who need to recover their accounts on new devices. This feature, gradually rolling out globally, utilizes a linked phone number for account identification. Users will be prompted for their previous device’s lock-screen passcode instead of a password.

Enhanced Security Measures for Google Users

These new tools are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user security against scams and hackers. Additional features include warnings in Google Messages about potentially harmful links in spam messages and a Key Verifier to verify contacts and prevent impersonation and fraud.