Reading is great. Tracking makes it stick. Sign up for a free Dashboard to tick off tasks and see your Security Score.
Get my free Dashboard →Securing your Google account
Your Google account is the key to your Android phone. It controls access to your email, cloud backup, payment details, and every app you have signed into with Google. This checklist covers the essential steps to lock it down.
Account access checklist
Start with these four steps: they provide the most protection for the least effort:
- Enable 2-Step Verification: myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification
- Use a unique, strong password not used on any other site
- Check your recovery email and phone number are still correct and accessible
- Sign out of any devices you no longer use: myaccount.google.com > Security > Your devices
Run a Google Security Checkup
Google's Security Checkup walks you through all the key account security settings in one place:
- Go to myaccount.google.com and tap "Security Checkup"
- Review each section: Google will flag anything that needs attention
- Pay particular attention to: connected apps, recent security events, and saved passwords
- Revoke access for any third-party apps you no longer use or do not recognise
Review third-party app access
Many apps request access to your Google account for sign-in or to read your email and calendar. Review this list regularly:
- Go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Third-party apps with account access
- Remove any app you no longer use or do not recognise
- Be especially cautious of apps with access to Gmail: they can read all your email
- Prefer apps that use "Sign in with Google" over those asking for your Google password directly
Monitor for suspicious activity
Set up alerts so you know if anything unusual happens to your account:
- Go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Recent security activity
- If you see a sign-in you do not recognise, change your password immediately and review your devices
- Enable Google's security alerts by email so you are notified of unusual sign-ins automatically
- Set up Find My Device to be able to locate and remotely wipe your phone if needed
Track your Android security progress. Free.
Create a free account to tick off tasks, see your Security Score improve, and know exactly what you've done and what's still to do.
Start your free security check