You can use a phone number to verify your Google account. If you don’t remember your username, you can sign into your Google account with a phone number. But you lose that extra layer of security and alternative sign-in method without being connected to the same phone number, or it’s no longer in service. You may have changed your mobile carrier or relocated to a different country. That’s where you’ll want to update the phone number associated with your profile. This guide walks you through the steps to update your Google account phone number, whether you own an iPhone, a computer, or one ofour favorite budget Android phones.
How to update your Google account phone number on Android
Follow these steps on any Android phone to update the phone number connected to your Google account:
Our guide uses a stock version of Android for the screenshots. But, if you are using another software based on Android, like One UI and OxygenOS, you can access your Google account settings by tapping onGooglein your phone settings. Once you’re on the Google services page, tap on your Google account’s email and selectGoogle Account.
How to update your Google account phone number on iPhone and iPad
Updating your Google account phone number on an iPhone differs slightly from updating it on an Android device since it’s not connected to Google services. But you can use Google apps like YouTube or Gmail to update your phone number. This tutorial demonstrates the process using YouTube.
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How to update your Google account phone number on a computer
Updating your phone number on a computer isn’t much different from a mobile device. However, your device must be on standby to complete the final verification. To get started, follow these steps:
For security reasons, Google doesn’t use your new phone number to perform sensitive actions like changing your password until about a week after the change. Your phone number may not be changed on all the Google services where you use it. You may need to update your number manually for apps like Calendar, Chrome, Google Pay, and Google My Business.
Why is your Google account phone number important?
The phone number linked to your Google account serves several purposes. You’ll use it to sign in to your accounts on the tech giant’s numerous digital services, receive two-step verification codes, and recover your Google account by receiving a text code to reset your password.
Google uses your phone number to personalize the ads it shows you. You can turn this off by navigating to thePreferencessection of thePhonesettings and toggling offBetter ads & Google services. It occasionally attempts to verify the number to ensure it’s still yours.
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Keep your Google account phone number up to date
Keeping your Google account phone number up-to-date is crucial. It can prevent suspicious sign-in attempts and helprecover your Google accountif you become locked out. However, suppose you’re managing multiple Google accounts. In that case, you must keep track of which phone number is connected across your Google accounts, requiring you to take action tochange your Android phone’s default Google account.
