How to Secure Your Google Account

Your Google account connects Gmail, Google Photos, Maps, YouTube, and more. Use Google's Security Checkup to spot and fix vulnerabilities in minutes.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Run Google Security Checkup
2.Turn on 2-Step Verification
3.Review your signed-in devices
4.Remove unused third-party app access
5.Set up a recovery phone and email

Run Google Security Checkup

~15s

Go to myaccount.google.com/security in a browser. Sign into your Google account. Click "Security Checkup." The tool shows your security status with green checkmarks for protected settings and yellow/red warnings for issues.

Turn on 2-Step Verification

~18s

In the Security Checkup, click "2-Step Verification" → "Get Started." Choose your verification method: Google prompt (a tap on your phone — easiest), authenticator app, or text message code.

Quick Tip

Google Prompt is the most convenient — you just tap "Yes" on your phone when signing in from a new device. No codes to enter.

Review your signed-in devices

~15s

In Security Checkup → "Your Devices," see all devices currently signed into your Google account. Click any device you do not recognize → "Sign Out." This immediately removes its access.

Remove unused third-party app access

~18s

In Security Checkup → "Third-party access," see all apps connected to your Google account. Tap any app you no longer use or do not recognize → "Remove Access."

Warning

Apps you gave "access to all files in Drive" or "read your emails" have significant access to your account. Remove any app you no longer actively use.

Set up a recovery phone and email

~15s

In Google AccountSecurityWays to verify it's you, add a recovery phone number and a recovery email. These are critical for regaining access if you ever forget your password.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Secure Your Google Account

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Your Google account is one of the most important accounts you have online. It connects Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, YouTube, Google Maps, and any app you have signed into with Google. A compromised Google account means someone can read your emails, see your photos, access your files, and even reset passwords on other accounts.

Google Security Checkup

: Google offers a free tool that walks you through your account's security settings in about five minutes. Go to myaccount.google.com/security to see your Security Checkup results.

The Security Checkup shows: - Whether you have 2-Step Verification turned on - What devices are currently signed into your account - Third-party apps with access to your account - Any recent security events - Password strength check

2-Step Verification (2SV)

: The most important protection. After you enter your password, Google sends a prompt to your phone or a text code you must confirm. Enable it at myaccount.google.com → Security → 2-Step Verification.

Review app access

: Many apps ask to sign in with Google. Over time, these apps accumulate access to your account. In the Security Checkup, review third-party apps and remove any you do not use or recognize.

Check sign-in activity

: Google shows you the last 28 days of sign-in activity at myaccount.google.com/security-checkup. If you see activity from locations you do not recognize, change your password immediately.

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