Google has been steadily adding new security and protection features to Android. The company introduced anti-theft protection tools last year and rolled out real-time scam detection on Pixel phones. Now, it’s expanding its efforts with even more scam protection and account recovery tools.
In a new announcement, Google said it is introducing features designed to help users “avoid scams altogether,” noting that “malicious content is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.”
The company added that many people worry about “losing access to their online accounts through a hack.” To address this, Google is launching new tools to make it easier for users to recover access to their accounts if they ever get locked out or compromised.
One of the new features Google has introduced is Sign In with Mobile Number. This will help in cases where a phone is lost, stolen, or broken. On a new Android device, users will be able to sign in using their phone number.
After entering the number, Google will identify the associated accounts with that phone number, and the user will be able to verify their identity by entering the lock screen passcode from their previous device, with no password required.
After signing in to the new device, the feature will allow users to check their lost (or stolen) phone’s location using Find Hub. Google says the rollout has begun and will gradually expand to all users soon.
Recovery contacts could save your Google account
Another feature, called Recovery Contacts, lets users add trusted friends or family members as recovery contacts. This will help in cases where someone forgets their password, loses a passkey device, or faces an account compromise.
These trusted contacts can help verify identity and assist in regaining access when standard recovery options fail.
Google also highlighted one of the existing security tools, Key Verifier in Google Messages, which is already available to all users. This feature, for those unaware, protects users from scammers by allowing them to confirm contact identities using QR codes and verification numbers.
Alongside these new tools, Google announced it is expanding its scam awareness initiatives to help Android users recognize how scams work and avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.
