Gmail is an email service developed by Google, used to connect and exchange emails, documents, media files such as images, videos, gifs, voice recordings… Users can access Gmail via computer/laptop or mobile devices (compatible with iOS and Android operating systems). Due to its high applicability, Gmail has attracted a massive number of users from all around the world.
Gmail is considered as a place to store important work information as well as personal data, so the security of this application is always the top priority. Users should be cautious with tricks to steal Gmail accounts, which can lead to the theft of important personal information. By changing the Gmail password every 6 months, you can prevent these unfortunate risks to the maximum extent.
1. When do you need to change your Gmail password?
Changing the Gmail password is an important security measure that users should perform regularly. If you encounter the following situations, you should consider changing your Gmail password immediately:
- When you suspect that your account has been compromised: You may notice some suspicious activities, such as emails being sent from your account that you are not aware of, or you receive continuous Gmail login verification codes sent while you haven’t taken any action, or you detect unauthorized logins from unfamiliar locations/devices… At this time, it is necessary to change your password immediately.
- After discovering a leak of personal information: If you find that your login information has been leaked, you need to change your Gmail password and log out of all linked accounts. This will promptly prevent fraudsters from exploiting your information for fraud or asset misappropriation.
- Accidentally forgot to log out of Gmail on a public device: In many cases, you will need to log into your personal Gmail on public devices for printing or presentation. If you forget to log out and have returned home, change your Gmail password immediately to ensure the protection of personal information.
- When you use the same password for a long period of time: Using the same password for a long time can increase the risk of attack. Changing your password every 6 months can enhance the security of your Gmail account.
- When you use your Gmail account for multiple linked services: If you use your Gmail account to log into various services such as iCloud, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok…, or even important services like bank accounts or cloud storage services, changing your password regularly is essential.
- When your computer or device is lost or stolen: If your computer or mobile device is lost or stolen, changing your Gmail password can prevent others from accessing your personal information.
2. Why do you need to change your Gmail password?
Gmail plays an important role in every online service you are using. You need to change your Gmail password for the following purposes:
- Enhance account security and protect privacy: Online attacks are increasing in the digital world. They often target important information such as emails, documents, personal profiles… in Gmail. The best way to prevent the risk of intruders and unauthorized access to that information is to regularly change your Gmail password.
- Avoid security vulnerabilities: Google or any other related services have security vulnerabilities that you are not aware of. Online thieves can crack your password at any time. Change your Gmail password to avoid these risks.
- Avoid using weak passwords: Many users have a habit of using simple or predictable passwords, which makes their accounts vulnerable to hacking. “Upgrade” your Gmail password with special characters, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers, thereby enhancing the security of your account.
- Prevent attacks on linked services: If you use Gmail to log into other services such as bank accounts or social networks, regularly changing your Gmail password can help protect the security of these linked accounts.
3. How to change your Gmail password on mobile devices
3.1. Change Gmail password on Android devices
If you are using a device with the Android operating system, you can change your Gmail password by following these steps.
Step 1: Access Gmail, click on the 3 horizontal lines icon at the top left corner of the screen
Step 2: Select “Setting” and choose the Gmail account you want to change the password
Step 3: Select “My account”, click on “Security”, scroll down to click on “Password”.
Step 4: Enter your old password to confirm and click “Next”
Step 5: Enter your new password twice and click “Change Password”
3.2. Change Gmail password on iOS devices
If you are using a device with the iOS operating system (such as iPhone or iPad), you can change your Gmail password by following these steps.
Step 1: Access Gmail on your phone and select the 3 horizontal lines icon at the top left corner of the screen
Step 2: Select “Setting”
Step 3: Select the Gmail account you want to change the password for, then click on “Manage Your Google Account”
Step 4: Select “Personal Info” and click on “Password”
Step 5: Confirm your identity and select “Yes”
Step 6: After selecting “Yes”, you need to unlock with your fingerprint or use Face ID to confirm, then enter your phone’s password for verification.
Step 7: Enter your new password twice, then click “Change Password” to complete.
4. How to change your Gmail password on a computer
Changing the password on a computer is also very simple, you can refer to the following steps.
Step 1: Access your Google Account at the link https://myaccount.google.com/ and log in to your Gmail account.
Step 2: Select “Personal Info” on the left side of the screen, scroll down and select “Password”.
Step 3: Enter the verification identity by entering the old password, then click “Next”
Step 4: Enter the new password twice, then click “Change password” to complete.
5. Tips to enhance the security of your Gmail account
5.1. Use 2-step verification
2-step verification is a method to protect your Gmail account based on using the 2-step verification feature (also known as 2-factor authentication). Its operation is as follows: When you log in to Gmail on an unfamiliar device, Google will send you a verification code to the registered phone number. Only when you enter this code correctly can you access your Gmail account.
This method maximizes the security of Gmail. If someone wants to log into your account, they will encounter a barrier from the 2-step security layers.
To turn on 2-step verification:
Step 1: Access your Google Account at the link https://myaccount.google.com/security
Step 2: In the “Password & sign-in method” category, select “2-Step Verification” by clicking on the arrow.
Step 3: Select “Get started” to activate 2-step protection
Step 4: Sign in again and enter your phone number for verification
Step 5: Enter the verification code sent to your phone number and click “Next”
Step 6: The screen will display the question “Turn on 2-Step Verification?”, you need to click “Turn On” to agree
5.2. Set a strong and secured Gmail password
Changing your password regularly is good, but if you only make slight changes between password changes, the security effect will not be very high. (For example, from “tranthuthuy” to “tranthuthuy123”)
You can still use passwords related to your name, date of birth, or phone number, but “transform” them with special characters. (For example, “tranthuthuy@642k4#”)
5.3. Update account recovery options
There are several ways to recover a Gmail account, such as using a backup Gmail, linked phone numbers… However, don’t be careless and lose your vigilance with hackers lurking for Gmail accounts. Regularly update settings to ensure the best Gmail security.
5.4. Log in on trusted devices
Limit logging into Gmail on multiple public devices such as copy shops, internet cafes… In case of necessity, remember to log out of your account or use incognito tabs and immediately close the tabs when you are done.
5.5. Update browsers and software regularly
Old versions of Gmail often encounter unforeseen errors. To limit this, update your browsers, software to enhance security for your Gmail account and update the latest features and other utilities offered by Google.
5.6. Do not click on suspicious links or content
You should not access suspicious links to avoid information leakage. Delete spam emails, unnecessary advertisements to stay away from malicious content, clickbait that may contain viruses and affect your account.
6. Conclusion
Regularly changing your Gmail password is not only a way to improve security but also helps protect personal data and keep linked accounts safe. If you have any doubts related to information leakage or want to change your Gmail password on your phone or computer, do it immediately.
We hope that this article from FPTShop can help you know how to change your Gmail password and suggest some methods to enhance the security of Gmail. Good luck!
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