With Google you can set up a phone number for authentication/verification/recovery and security. This number is what’s used for two-factor authentication, password resets, and even just logging in when you can’t remember your email address. But if your linked phone number has since been deactivated, you could find yourself locked out of Google and Gmail accounts. Have an old one reassigned to someone else, and it can also be a security issue. That’s why it is crucial to have the right phone number on file, particularly if you’ve ever changed your number, swapped countries, or maintained several Google accounts. Here’s how you can change the phone number attached to your Google account.
Why Updating Your Google Account Phone Number Is Important
Your phone number plays a key role in account protection and recovery. Google uses it to:
- Send verification codes
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Help recover your account if you forget your password
- Alert you about suspicious activity
If you lose access to your number, you may get locked out of your account when you need it most.
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How to Update Phone Number Linked to Google or Gmail Account
Steps to Change Your Phone Number
1. Visit myaccount.google.com and sign in, or open the Gmail app.
2. In Gmail, tap your profile photo and select Manage your Google Account.
3. Open the Personal info tab from the menu.
4. Scroll to Contact info and select Phone number.
5. Tap your existing number and click the edit (pencil) icon.
6. Verify your password and device, then tap Next.
7. Enter your new phone number.
8. Enter the verification code sent via SMS to confirm the change.
Once confirmed, your new number will be added to the account for security and recovery purposes.
Remove Old Phone Number (Recommended)
You can remove the old number after adding a new one by clicking Delete next to it. This prevents misunderstandings and does away with any security threat.
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Things to Keep in Mind
- The steps are almost identical for Windows, Android, iPhone and iPad.
- Google may wait for up to one week before letting the new number be used in sensitive operations such as password recovery.
- Editing the phone number in your Google account doesn’t work across all Google services, at least not automatically. You'll have to update it manually in apps like Google Calendar and Chrome.
Final Thoughts
Making sure to keep your phone number up to date in your Google account is one of those minor moves that can make a major difference when it comes to preserving security and convenience. Either because you switch numbers or use multiple accounts, update your contact information so your account recovery process runs more smoothly and adds to its security. Spend a few minutes looking at your linked phone number — it can spare you serious pain down the road.