Hack of the Day: Secure your gmail with a recovery phone number

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day'—a new weekday series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach—from government websites to everyday apps.

In simple terms, it's simple fixes for smarter living.Gmail is often the main account people depend on for email, work, banking alerts, and access to other online services. If you ever forget your password, lose access to your phone, or suspect that someone else has tried to sign in to your account, getting back in can become difficult without proper recovery options in place. Google allows users to add recovery information to their Gmail accounts so they can regain access if something goes wrong.

These recovery options – contact, phone numbers or an alternative email address – act as a backup, helping verify your identity when you cannot sign in normally. Setting them up in advance can make account recovery faster and help secure your account if there is any unauthorised activity.

How to set up recovery mobile number for Gmail account

To add a recover phone number to your Gmail account, follow the steps below: Go to your Google Account.On the left navigation panel, click Personal info.

Click Phone and then Set up.To add a recovery phone number, follow the steps on the screen.How recovery info is usedAs listed on a Google support page, the recovery phone number can be used: To send you a code to get into your account if you’re ever locked outTo block someone from using your account without your permissionTo make it easier for you to prove that an account is yoursTo tell you if there’s suspicious activity on your accountNote: If your recovery phone number is the same as another phone number you’ve added to your account, it might be used for other purposes