Gmail, one of the most popular service providers, offers a range of features to enhance users’ online communication experience. One such feature is the option to link a number to your Gmail . A linked phone number provides added security to your account, enables account recovery, and helps verify your identity. However, there may be instances where you need to change the phone number linked to your Gmail account. Whether you have switched your primary phone number or want to update it for security reasons, here is a step-by-step guide on how to change the phone number on Gmail.
Step 1: Log into your Gmail account
To begin the process, start by logging into your Gmail account using your existing credentials. Visit the Gmail website or open the Gmail application on your smartphone or device.
Step 2: Access your Google account settings
Once you have successfully logged in, locate the gear icon in the top right corner of the Gmail interface. Click on the gear icon to access a drop-down menu of settings options. From the menu, select “See all settings.” This will take you to your Google account settings page.
Step 3: Navigate to the “Phone” section
On the Google account settings page, you will find several categories on the left-hand side. Look for the “Phone” option and click on it to access your phone number settings.
Step 4: Add a new phone number
Within the “Phone” section, you will see your current linked phone number. Click on the “Edit” button next to your phone number to make changes. If you don’t have a phone number linked to your Gmail account, you can directly click on the “Add phone number” option.
Step 5: Verify your identity
After clicking on the “Edit” or “Add phone number” option, Gmail will prompt you to verify your identity before making any changes. Depending on your account security settings, you will be asked to enter your account password or undergo additional verification steps, such as two-factor authentication.
Step 6: Enter the new phone number
Once your identity has been verified, you can proceed to enter the new phone number you wish to link to your Gmail account. Make sure to provide a valid and active phone number to receive the verification code and future account notifications.
Step 7: Verify the new phone number
After entering the new phone number, Gmail will ask you to verify its authenticity. This verification process may vary depending on your location and account settings. Typically, Gmail sends a verification code to the provided phone number via SMS or voice call. Enter the verification code received to confirm the ownership of the phone number.
Step 8: Set your preferences
Once your new phone number has been successfully verified, Gmail may offer you additional options to customize how your phone number is used for account recovery and notifications. Choose your preference according to your needs and click on the “Save” button to apply the changes.
Congratulations! You have now successfully changed the phone number linked to your Gmail account. Your new phone number will be used for account recovery, two-factor authentication, and other security features provided by Gmail.
Remember to update your phone number across other platforms or services where you have used your Gmail account for authentication or account linking. Keeping your information up to date ensures that you can recover your account and receive important notifications in case of any security events or account activities.
By following these simple steps, you can easily change the phone number on your Gmail account, ensuring that your online communication remains secure and uninterrupted.