You can use a phone number to verify your Google account. If you don’t remember your email address, you can sign in to your Google account with your phone number.
However, you lose that extra layer of security and the alternative sign-in method if you no longer have access to that same phone number, or it’s no longer in service. You may have changed your mobile carrier or relocated to a different country.
That’s where you’ll want to update the phone number associated with your profile.
Our guide walks you through the steps to update your Google account phone number, whether you own an iPhone, a computer, or one of our favorite budget Android phones.
How to update your Google account phone number on Android
Follow these steps on any Android phone to update the phone number connected to your Google account:
Our guide uses an Android device running Android 16 for the screenshots. If you are using another software based on Android (custom skin), like One UI or OxygenOS, you can access your Google account settings.
Tap Google in your phone settings. When you’re on the Google services page, tap on your Google account’s email and select Google Account.
- Launch the Settings app on your device.
- Navigate to Google, then select your name and email.
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Tap Manage your Google Account to open the Google account settings page.
- Go to the Personal info at the top.
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Tap Phone under the Contact info section.
- Tap your phone number.
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Select the Edit button next to your number. You’re asked to confirm ownership of the device.
- Tap the blue Continue button after verifying.
- Tap the Edit button again.
- Select Update number in the lower-right corner.
- Enter your new phone number.
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Tap Select. The phone number connected to your Google account is updated.
How to update your Google account phone number on iPhone and iPad
Updating your Google account phone number on an iPhone differs slightly from updating it on an Android device since it’s not connected to Google services.
You can use Google apps like YouTube or Gmail to update your phone number. Otherwise, you can use the mobile browser to update it.
This tutorial demonstrates the process using YouTube.
- Open a Google app like Gmail or YouTube on your iPhone or iPad. Go to myaccount.google.com if you don’t use a Google app.
- Tap your profile picture or account initial in the lower-right corner.
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Tap Google Account.
- Switch to Personal info at the top.
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Tap Phone under Contact info.
- Tap your phone number.
- Tap the Edit icon next to the number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The updating process is similar to Android.
How to update your Google account phone number on a computer
Updating your phone number on a computer isn’t much different from a mobile device. However, your device must be on standby to complete the final verification.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Go to myaccount.google.com or access your account through any Google service you use.
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Click the Personal info tab on the left sidebar.
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Navigate to Contact info and click Phone.
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Select your phone number.
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Click the Edit button next to your number. You’re asked to verify your identity.
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Enter your Google account password and click Next.
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Click the Edit button again.
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Click Update Number.
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Type your new number and click Select. Your number is updated.
For security reasons, Google won’t use your new phone number to perform sensitive actions like changing your password until about a week after the change.
Be aware that your phone number may not be changed on all Google services. You may need to update your number manually for apps like Calendar, Chrome, Google Pay, and Google My Business.
Why is maintaining your Google account phone number important?
The phone number linked to your Google account serves several purposes.
You’ll use it to sign in to your accounts on the tech giant’s numerous digital services, receive two-step verification codes, and recover your Google account by receiving a text code to reset your password.
Google also uses your phone number to personalize the ads it shows you.
You can turn this off by navigating to the Preferences section of the Phone settings and toggling off Better ads & Google services. It occasionally attempts to verify the number to ensure it’s still yours.
Keep your Google account phone number up to date
Keeping your Google account phone number up to date is crucial. It can prevent suspicious sign-in attempts and help recover your Google account if you become locked out.
When you manage multiple Google accounts, keeping track of linked phone numbers can be challenging.
In cases like those, it might be better to change your Android phone’s default Google account instead.
