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To make your Google Account more secure, start with Google’s Security Checkup, then review sign-in protection, recovery options, connected apps, and saved activity. These changes are not equally urgent for everyone: prioritize them according to your risk and how you use Google services, and treat Google’s recommendations as account-specific rather than a universal checklist.
1. Run Google’s Security Checkup
Open Google’s account security guidance and follow the Security Checkup. It gives personalized recommendations, so the actions shown can differ between accounts. Work through applicable recommendations and review any sign-in activity, devices, or security alerts it surfaces.
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Google uses colored icons to call attention to recommended actions. Treat the results as prompts to investigate, not as proof that an account is either compromised or completely safe.
2. Improve how you sign in
Turn on 2-Step Verification if it is available and not already enabled. Google describes it as an extra layer of protection if a password is stolen. The challenge you receive can vary, and the available methods differ in security, convenience, and recovery implications.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
| Method | Security and phishing resistance | Convenience and recovery considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Passkey | Google says passkeys provide phishing protection. A passkey can prove possession of a device, so it may replace a separate second-step challenge. | Convenient when you can access the device or passkey provider holding the passkey. Plan how you will sign in if that access is lost. |
| Security key | Google calls security keys its most secure 2-Step Verification method. | Requires access to the key when prompted. Keep a backup key or another recovery route in case one is lost. |
| Google Prompt | Google says prompts are more secure than text-message codes. | Requires access to a device that can receive the prompt. |
| Text-message code | Less secure than Google Prompts, according to Google. | Depends on access to the phone number receiving the code. |
Choose a method that fits your risk and devices, and make sure you can still recover access if a device or key is unavailable. For setup instructions and account-specific availability, use Google’s 2-Step Verification help. If this is a work, school, or organization-managed account and the usual setup does not work, ask the administrator; the organization may control the available settings.
3. Check your recovery phone and email
Recovery details can help block unauthorized use, alert you to suspicious activity, and help you regain access. Google calls a recovery phone number and email address “powerful security tools.” Make sure both are current and that you can actually reach them.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
- Use a recovery email you check regularly that is different from your Google Account sign-in email.
- Use a recovery phone number that belongs only to you and that you use regularly.
- Update these details when you change phone numbers or stop using an email address.
See Google’s recovery options setup guidance for the steps available to your account.
4. Remove third-party access you no longer need
Review apps and services connected to your Google Account. Revoke access for services you do not recognize or no longer use, but do not remove every connection indiscriminately: an app you rely on may use Google sign-in or account data to work.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
For people facing a higher risk of targeted attacks, Google’s Advanced Protection Program may be worth considering. It requires passkeys or security keys and limits some third-party app access, so it can also affect services you use. Google describes it as intended for people at higher risk, such as journalists or activists, rather than as a default setting for everyone. Add recovery options before joining, and review the Advanced Protection common questions before deciding.
5. Choose what account activity to save
Use Google’s activity and privacy controls to decide what activity you want saved, whether to use auto-delete where offered, and whether you want personalized ads. Saved activity can support useful personalization; limiting or deleting it can reduce how much account activity is retained. The right balance depends on your preferences and use of Google services.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Google lets you review or delete activity in My Activity and manage privacy controls through your account. Deleting Google Account activity does not necessarily delete your browser history; manage that separately in the browser. Google also says Search service settings are being updated gradually, so labels and controls may look different from one account to another. See Google’s overview of privacy controls for details.
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What to do if a sign-in looks unfamiliar
If Google shows a sign-in you do not recognize, open its details, report that it was not you, and change your password promptly. Follow Google’s guidance for unfamiliar account activity rather than dismissing the alert.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 is a versatile physical passkey that protects your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 via USB and tap it to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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