Google has launched "Recovery Contacts," a new security feature made to help you get back into your account by nominating trusted friends or family to help you. It offers a safe option for when you can't use your usual methods, like a recovery email or codes sent to your phone.

The system works by having a person you trust confirm it's really you. It's made to solve common problems, like losing your phone or access to a backup email, which can block you from finishing the usual security steps.

How Recovery Contacts Work

To use it, you must add trusted contacts ahead of time in your Google security settings. If you get locked out, you can ask one of your chosen contacts for help. That person then gets a special code from Google that expires quickly. You can then use this code to help you sign in.

Google makes it clear that your chosen contacts get no access to your account information or personal data. Their only job is to receive a code and pass it on to you. This feature is being added to most personal Google accounts as part of the company's plan to make accounts safer and offer better recovery options. (Source: zdnet.com)

New Sign-In Option for Android

Along with Recovery Contacts, Google is also adding a "Sign in with Mobile Number" option for Android users. This feature makes it easier to set up your account on a new Android phone, especially if your old one is lost or broken.

This other way to sign in uses your account's phone number to identify you, letting you skip the password step. To finish, you'll need to enter the lock-screen passcode from your old device. This adds extra safety by using a code from your old phone, instead of just a password. (Source: theverge.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Will you use the new Recovery Contacts feature for your Google account? Who would you choose as a trusted contact for such a responsibility? Do these new features make you feel more secure about your digital accounts?