Now you can call a friend if you want to recover your Gmail or Google account thanks to its new security feature. It may sound dubious considering the need for another person to access your account. But according to Google, it is a reliable way as long as you do it via a trusted contact.
Named Recovery Contacts, the new feature is an added step of Google’s security tools including the Passkeys. While having a passkey aids in recovering hacked accounts and proving your ownership, it may not be foolproof once you don’t have your phone number or even your device with you. Recovery Contacts will bring in your trusted connection to assist you in recovering your account.
How Does Recovery Contacts Work and How to Set It Up with your Trusted Friend
The process is simple. In essence, it involves a trusted family member or friend to verify your identity and connection to your account whenever you get locked out or hacked. But, it does not choose just anyone from your contact list. You will have to select who you trust the most and enable the feature with them.
First, you have to choose a trusted contact like your spouse, parent, or close friend. Next, add your contact to g.co/recovery-contacts. Then, they will receive an invitation email. Once they accept it, they become your recovery contact.
Now, when you need to recover your account and unable to do so through your primary recovery options, you can choose to ask your recovery contact. Just share a code with them and they can verify your identity through an email sent to them. After which you can then access your account and change your password.
Google confirms that your recovery contact will not have access to your account.
Conclusion
Having an alternative recovery option is helpful and can strengthen your means to recover your compromised account.
