Ensure your Google account

Google’s products and services have made their way into the daily lives of nearly every Internet user.

From YouTube to Gmail and even Drive, chances are high that you have an account with Google and maybe even store or have some important information associated with it. There may come a time when you forget a password and get locked out of your account, which could pose an issue.

Before you lose or forget your Google account’s password or get locked out of your account, it is a good idea to take some steps to ensure that Google will actually be able to give you access to your account again, or will reset your password.

1. Add a phone number to your Google Account
Adding a phone number to your account is the fastest way to regain access to a locked account. If you have been locked out, you can request that Google send you a text message to the associated number. You will then be able to enter the code sent, and be able to access your account once again. The important thing to remember here is the phone number you link should be a smartphone, or one capable of receiving text messages, not to mention one in your possession too.

Here’s how you can add a phone number to your account:

1. Go to Google’s Account Security page and sign in.
2. Click on Account Recovery Options. Or, click Edit beside Recovery options.
3. Enter your password and hit Verify.
4. Click Edit under the Mobile phone section.
5. Select your country and enter your phone number.
6. Press Save.

2. Add a secondary email address
Another good recovery option is to add another email address to your account. If you get locked out of your account, you can request that Google send a recovery code to this email address which you can then use to gain access to your main account. For the highest level of security it is a good idea to use an email account that is just for recovering or resetting passwords from other accounts.

Here’s how you can add a recovery address to your Google Account:

1. Go to Google’s Account Security page and sign in.
2. Click on Account Recovery Options. Or, click Edit beside Recovery options.
3. Enter your password and hit Verify.
4. Click the Add recovery email address under the Email section.
5. Enter the email address and press Enter.
6. Log into the email account you just entered and look for the verification email from Google.
7. Click on the link in the email.

3. Keep information up to date
The third step is likely one most people will miss. Be sure to keep your information up to date, especially if you move, switch numbers or close email accounts. This will help ensure that you are able to access your email if you get locked out.

If you have a personal Google account, adding a phone number and email is advisable. The reason for this is because Google doesn’t actually have access to your accounts. If you get locked out, and you haven’t provided this type of information, they likely won’t be able to help you much.

It is a good idea to ensure that you have a separate email address that is only used for account recovery and if possible a phone number that isn’t linked to your Google account. The reason for this is if that if you lose a phone that is linked to a Google account, a third party is able to go to Google and ask them to recover the password. Google will then send a text message to the phone which they may have, meaning someone you don’t want to access your account may easily be able to.

Another point to be aware of is if your account is managed by an administrator. Like most business accounts there is no need to actually go and enter an email and phone number. If you lose your password, you should be able to go to the administrator of your account who will be able to reset it.

If you would like to learn more about Google’s products, please contact us today to see how we can help.