{
  "id": 16494468,
  "title": "Why Google is linking your phone number to all your signed-in accounts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/why-google-is-linking-your-phone-number-to-all-your-signed-in-accounts",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-25T15:30:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/tech/why-google-is-linking-your-phone-number-to-all-your-signed-in-accounts"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google, in a move that came into effect between August and October of 2025, has silently linked phone numbers to all signed-in Google accounts for Android users. This change is now part of the Verify phone numbers automatically setting, which requires users to opt out instead of opting in. The implication is that all Google accounts connected to an Android device will now be tied to that device's phone number, regardless of whether the user desires this connection. This includes any new accounts that may be added in the future. Google periodically re-verifies phone numbers, which could potentially lead to carrier charges. While some may view this as an intrusive practice, Google offers several justifications. By linking phone numbers, the tech giant can enhance sharing functionalities across Google accounts, streamline phone recovery procedures, and offer improved quality-of-life features like faster sign-ins and more efficient emergency location services. Additionally, Google benefits from this feature as it optimizes ad performance by enabling more targeted advertisements across various devices and accounts. To opt out of this automatic phone number verification process, Android users can go to their device's Settings, select Google followed by All Services, and then choose Privacy & Security. In this menu, they need to access the Phone number verification page and deselect the Verify phone numbers automatically option.",
  "summary": "You should be aware of this opt-out Google setting that might compromise your privacy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}