Google is introducing new privacy and recovery tools designed to combat spam across several Android products. These updates include suspicious link detection in messages, the ability to sign in with a phone number, and the option to set recovery contacts.
The company is adding new methods to recover your Google account without losing information if your device is lost or your account is compromised. A new feature called Recovery Contacts allows you to designate trusted friends or family members to help you regain access. If you are locked out of your account because you lost your device or forgot your password, you can select a recovery contact as your backup method. Your contact will receive a number, valid for 15 minutes, which you must verify to log back in. You can add up to 10 recovery contacts, and each must approve your request to be added. Once a contact is used for recovery, they cannot be used again for seven days. This setting is located under the security tab on your Google Accounts page.
Google is also adding sign-in with a mobile number as a recovery method, which is especially useful when you lose a device. This tool automatically identifies all accounts linked to a specific phone number. You can then use the lock-screen passcode or pattern from your previous device to verify your identity. This feature is gradually rolling out worldwide.
The company previously launched on-device protection for messages on Pixel devices to detect scam and spam messages. Google is now integrating spam link detection into Google Messages for all users. When you click on a suspicious link in a message, the app will warn you and prevent you from visiting the page.
For more technical users, Google is adding a key verifier in Google Messages. This tool helps you identify the person you are messaging and ensures your conversations are end-to-end encrypted and private. Users with Android 10 and later can scan a QR code from their contact for verification.
Google is also introducing a new game called Be Scam Ready to educate users about different types of fraud and scams.