Google is introducing new recovery tools that aim to make it less frustrating to regain access when you’re locked out of your account. Instead of answering security questions or entering a recovery email address, Google’s new security features allow account holders to verify their identity using a linked mobile number, or trusted friends or family members.
The Recovery Contacts feature enables users to designate people to confirm their identity in order to regain access to accounts after getting hacked or losing their password or passkey. Google didn’t specify how the verification process works, but says the feature provides “a simple and secure way to regain access when standard recovery methods fail.” Recovery Contacts is available for eligible personal Google accounts, and can be found under the Security option in the account settings.
Google is also launching Sign in with Mobile Number, an Android feature that automatically identifies Google accounts using a linked phone number. The feature is designed for users who need to recover their account on a new Android phone after losing access to their previous device. It doesn’t require password verification, and will instead ask users for the lock-screen passcode used on their previous device. Google says that this feature is being “gradually” rolled out worldwide.
These tools are part of Google’s latest security expansion, aiming to better protect users against scams and hackers. This includes new Google Messages features that warn users about clicking links in spam messages that could potentially redirect them to harmful websites, and a Key Verifier that makes it easier to verify contacts and avoid impersonators and fraudsters.
