Google links phone numbers to signed-in Android accounts by default

Google Play Services has started automatically verifying users’ phone numbers and linking them to every Google account signed in on the same Android device, according to a report by TechRadar’s James Rogerson. The change may affect secondary accounts used for work or other purposes.

The report says the change was spotted by Reddit user Nanosinx. Some users have reportedly received emails from Google about it, but the report says users who have not received one may not have had their numbers linked yet. The article describes the change as a move away from the previous opt-in process.

Users can check the setting under Settings > Google (or Google services and preferences) > All services > Phone number verification. If “Verify phone numbers automatically” is enabled, turning it off stops automatic verification, but does not remove numbers already linked to accounts. Those numbers must be removed from each relevant account’s Contact info or Personal info page, under Phone.

Some users have also reported the behavior on GrapheneOS, possibly when Google Play Services is installed. Others say the automatic verification toggle turned itself back on, so disabling it may not be permanent. Google’s response to the change remains unclear.