Google rolls out Recovery Contacts and mobile sign-in for accounts

Google is rolling out new account recovery and anti-spam features aimed at helping users regain access to personal Google Accounts and avoid scams, the company said on Monday. The additions include a Recovery Contacts option that lets users designate trusted people to verify identity if they are locked out, and a Sign in with Mobile Number method for Android users who have lost or had their devices stolen.

Recovery Contacts allows eligible personal account holders to add up to 10 trusted friends or family members who can help confirm identity during an account recovery. If a user cannot access standard recovery methods, they can send a one-time verification code to a chosen contact. That contact receives a notification or email and must approve the request; each code expires after 15 minutes. Contacts cannot access the account or view personal data and may not be used again for seven days after a recovery, the company said. Certain account types are excluded: Google Accounts enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program and Google Workspace accounts cannot add Recovery Contacts, although they may serve as a contact for other accounts; child accounts are not supported.