Ever stared at your phone in panic because you forgot your Google password and your backup phone is... well, lost? You're not alone. Last week, Google rolled out a fresh tool called Recovery Contacts. It lets you pick trusted pals or relatives to help you slip back into your account without the usual headache.
Picture this: you have up to 10 people you can rely on—family, close friends, anyone you trust won’t disappear when you really need them. Head to g.co/recovery-contacts or your account's security page to add them. They'll get an email asking if they're cool with it, and once they say yes, they're in.
No big setup fuss, just a quick approval. When trouble hits—say, a forgotten passcode, a stolen device, or even a sneaky hack—you choose that contact during recovery. Google shoots them a secret number good for 15 minutes. You text or call it over, they punch it in, and boom, you're verified.
They can't peek at your emails or photos; it's all about that one-time nod to prove it's really you. You’re restricted from reusing the same helper for a week, ensuring boundaries are maintained
This rollout comes right when scams are popping up everywhere, making account lockouts feel scarier. Google didn't shout it from the rooftops, but it's already hitting eligible personal accounts worldwide, skipping stuff like work setups etc.
I like how it relies on real-life trust rather than complicated codes or quizzes that confuse people. It's a small change that could save your day. If you’ve ever stressed about a locked screen, give this a try.
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