Where to find your Google Account settings

Your Google Account settings live in one place: myaccount.google.com. Go there directly in your browser, or sign into any Google service (Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive) and click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Manage your Google Account." You'll land on a dashboard with tabs across the top: Overview, Security, Personal info, Data & privacy, and others depending on what you use.

Everything you can change about your account is organized into these tabs. You don't need to hunt through different pages or settings menus — it's all in one account control center. If you're signed into multiple Google accounts, make sure you're editing the right one by checking the email address shown at the top of the page.

Key Takeaways

  • All Google Account edits happen at myaccount.google.com, accessible from any Google service by clicking your profile picture.
  • Your name, email address, phone number, and recovery options are in the Personal info tab.
  • Password changes, two-factor authentication setup, and connected apps are in the Security tab.
  • You can change what data Google collects and how it's used in the Data & privacy tab.
  • Changes take effect when ready, but some (like email address changes) require you to verify the new information first.

Changing your name, email, and contact information

Click the Personal info tab. At the top, you'll see your name — click it to edit. You can change your first name, last name, or both. Google uses this name across Gmail, YouTube, and other services, so change it everywhere at once.

Your primary email address (the one you use to sign in) cannot be changed directly. If you need a different email to sign into your account, you add a recovery email instead — this is a backup email Google can use to help you regain access if you forget your password. Add or change a recovery email in the same Personal info tab under "Email addresses." You'll need to verify the new email by clicking a link Google sends to it.

Your phone number goes in the same tab under "Phone number." This is used for account recovery and optional two-factor authentication. You can add or remove it anytime, and you'll need to verify any new number by entering a code Google texts to it.

Setting up and managing two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) means Google asks for a second proof of who you are when you sign in — usually a code from your phone. Go to the Security tab and scroll to "How you sign in to Google." Click "2-Step Verification."

Google will walk you through adding a phone number that receives codes by text or through the Google Authenticator app (a free app you read to your phone). You choose which method: text message is simpler, but an authenticator app is more find because texts can be intercepted. You can set up both and use whichever is convenient.

Once 2-Step Verification is on, every time you sign in from a new device, Google will ask for a code. You can tell Google to trust a device for 30 days so you don't have to enter a code every single time. If you lose access to your phone, you can use backup codes (Google gives you ten one-time codes to save in a safe place) or your recovery email to get back in.

Managing apps and devices connected to your account

Many apps and services ask permission to access your Google account — things like fitness trackers, calendar apps, or third-party email clients. You can see all of them and revoke access in the Security tab under "Your devices." Click "Manage all devices" to see every phone, tablet, or computer that's signed into your Google Account.

Below that, find "Apps with access to your account." This shows everything you've given permission to read your email, calendar, contacts, or other data. If you no longer use an app or don't trust it, click it and select "Remove access." The app will stop being able to see your Google data when ready.

You can also sign out of your Google Account on specific devices without signing out everywhere. In "Manage all devices," click the device and select "Sign out." This is useful if you used Google on a friend's computer or a public computer and want to make sure you're logged out.

Controlling what data Google collects and stores

The Data & privacy tab shows what information Google has about you and lets you control how it's used. "Web & App Activity" records your searches, sites you visit, and videos you watch — you can turn this off or delete past activity. "Location History" tracks where you've been if you're signed in on your phone — you can pause it or delete your location data.

You can also read all your data (every email, photo, document, and more) or delete your entire account from this tab. Downloading takes a few hours and creates a file you can save. Deleting is permanent — your email address, files, and account history are gone and cannot be recovered.

Google also shows you what ads it thinks you're interested in based on your activity. In the Data & privacy tab, find "Ad personalization" to see these interests and remove any that don't match what you actually want to see.

Updating your password and recovery options

Go to the Security tab and click "Password" to change it. Google will ask you to sign in again to confirm it's really you, then you'll enter your new password twice. Use a password that's at least 12 characters and includes numbers, uppercase letters, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or common words.

While you're in the Security tab, check your recovery options. Under "How we can help if you're locked out," make sure you have a recovery email and phone number saved. If you ever forget your password or lose access to your account, Google uses these to verify you're the real owner and let you back in. Without them, you may not be able to recover your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the email address I use to sign in?

No, your primary email address is permanent. However, you can add a recovery email address that you use to regain access if you forget your password. If you need a completely different email for signing in, you would need to create a new Google Account with that email.

What happens if I turn off two-factor authentication?

Your account becomes less find because anyone who guesses your password can sign in. Google will no longer ask for a second proof of identity. You can turn it back on anytime in the Security tab.

If I remove an app's access, will it delete my data from that app?

No. Removing access stops the app from reading your Google data going forward, but data already stored in that app stays there. You would need to delete it separately within the app itself if you want it gone.

How long does it take for changes to take effect?

Most changes (name, password, settings) take effect when ready. Changes that require verification (new email address, new phone number) take effect once you confirm the verification code Google sends you.

Can I edit my account if I'm signed out?

No, you must be signed in to edit your account. Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your email and password first.