Big Reveal

Key fact: Google is replacing security questions and recovery emails with mobile number verification and trusted contacts for account recovery.

Quick Details

The Recovery Contacts feature lets users designate friends or family to confirm their identity if they get locked out due to hacking or lost passwords.

Sign in with Mobile Number allows Android users to recover accounts on new devices using their old lock-screen passcode instead of passwords.

Impact & Relevance

• Who it affects: Personal Google account users on Android devices worldwide.
• Why it matters: Reduces frustration from account lockouts and adds extra protection against scams.
• Immediate outcome: Recovery Contacts is now available in account settings; mobile sign-in is gradually rolling out.

Context

These tools are part of Google’s broader security expansion, which includes anti-phishing warnings in Messages and a new Key Verifier to prevent impersonation fraud.