How your Google Account connects your life
A Google Account is useful in so many areas of your internet life. Learn how and why to protect this account well.
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Connecting your life
A Google Account is your key to Gmail, Google Photos, Drive, Chrome, YouTube and many more Google services that people use every day.
Your Google Account also makes it easy for you to access your other online accounts. You can sign in to third-party apps safely and quickly using Sign in with Google, so your security preferences go with you, even beyond Google. Additionally, for other accounts, you can use Gmail to change forgotten passwords or verify sign in prompts.
Using a Google account to its full potential can streamline your online life. On myaccount.google.com, you can change settings and preferences that’ll apply to all the Google products you use.
Protecting information across all of your Google services
Because you use your Google Account to access many different services, protecting it is critical.
If your account were to be hacked, a bad actor may have access to your payment information from Google Pay, private correspondence, photos, any other sensitive information you’ve sent via Gmail, and even important documents you’ve saved in Drive. They could also use your account to access and take over your other online accounts that you sign in to using Google.
The stakes
To keep your personal information private and avoid getting locked out of your account, it’s important to use Google’s security measures and practice safe online habits.
Even if you don’t think your account would be worthwhile to hack, any security breach can be dangerous to you and others. For instance, if hackers breach your account, they could try to scam your friends and family into sending them money, or use your account to publish abusive or dangerous content.
While Google works to protect all accounts by default, you can do your part by using strong, unique passwords and password managers, and taking Google’s Security Checkup. Make sure to also set up or update your recovery options to avoid getting locked out of your account.
How Google protects you
Because your Google Account contains some of your most sensitive information, Google offers some of the strongest default protections available, like encryption, security alerts, and authentication tools. Learn more about how Google keeps you safer online.
Related lessons
Get to know your Google Account security tools
Control the privacy of your Google Account by learning about your account’s security tools and where they are located.
Begin lessonAdd recovery options
Add recovery options, like a phone number and email address, to your Google Account to make it easier to regain access to your account if you are locked out.
Begin lessonSet up 2-Step Verification
Learn how to set up 2-Step Verification, and how using it helps prevent your account from being accessed.
Begin lessonAdd an extra layer of security with Security Keys
Maximize your security by setting up a security key for your Google Account using either your phone’s built-in key or a physical key from the Google store.
Begin lessonUse Security Checkup to get prepared
You can use Security Checkup to get personalized security recommendations so you can improve the safety of your Google Account.
Begin lessonCreate a strong password
Learn how to create strong, unique passwords so your accounts are well-protected against hackers.
Begin lessonSet up your Inactive Account Manager
Set up the Inactive Account Manager to give someone access to your Google Account after it becomes inactive. Making a long-term plan for your data ensures the safety of your information.
Begin lessonStay signed in or out of your Google Account
Stay signed in to your Google Account for a personalized experience across all Google services. Sign out of your Google Account when using a shared or public device that might put your personal information at risk.
Begin lessonEnroll in Advanced Protection
The Advanced Protection Program offers the maximum amount of security for users who keep highly sensitive information on their devices.
Begin lesson