Managing your Google account involves more than just checking your email. According to WIRED, numerous settings on your Google account page influence security, privacy, and personalization across apps like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube. Here are seven lesser-known settings you should review.
Home and Work Addresses
Setting your home and work addresses in Google improves convenience. WIRED explains that Google uses this info to personalize experiences in Google Maps—getting directions home or to work with a single tap—and to deliver more accurate weather forecasts and search results. To set these, click Personal info on your Google account page, then select Home address or Work address. You can type the address or choose a location on a map. Note that while the saved addresses are private, you may see more localized ads, such as for nearby sandwich shops.
Edit Your Google Profile Information
Your Google account acts like a public profile when you interact with others via Gmail or Google Maps reviews. According to WIRED, people clicking on your profile photo can see whatever you've made public. To control visibility, go to Data & privacy > Profile. Here you can add details like a profile picture or web links, and each item has an icon: two people for public, a padlock for private. Click an entry to change its visibility.
Designate Recovery Contacts
Recovery contacts serve as a safety net if you get locked out of your account. WIRED notes that these contacts can vouch for your identity, making it harder to bypass than a password or PIN. To set this up, choose Security & sign-in > Recovery contacts. Your chosen contacts receive an email notification and must follow a link to agree. It's advisable to inform them in advance.
Customize the Types of Ads You See
Targeted advertising is inherent to Google's free services, but you can control ad categories. From Data & privacy, select My Ad Center to adjust the kinds of ads Google and its partners show you. WIRED suggests this gives you more control over your ad experience.
Other Notable Settings
While the source text does not detail the remaining three settings, WIRED's original article covers seven in total. These include options for managing data security, browsing history, and backup email. The article emphasizes spending a few minutes to review these settings to align them with your comfort level regarding personal information sharing.
Practical Guidance
To access all these settings, start from your Google account page on the web. WIRED advises you to consider how much personal information you want to share and adjust settings accordingly. These adjustments can enhance your experience without compromising your preferences.
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