Is your Gmail account logged in on an unfamiliar device? Here’s how to find out.

 Is your Gmail account logged in on an unfamiliar device? Here’s how to find out.

Under normal circumstances, it is not easy for someone to hack your Gmail account. However, if you leave yourself vulnerable, someone could gain unauthorized access to your account—meaning they might be logged into your Gmail.

Alternatively, you might have logged into your Gmail on someone else's device for a specific purpose and simply forgotten to log out. In such cases, how can you determine which devices your Gmail is logged into? Google provides a feature called "Security Checkup" for this exact purpose. You can use this feature to check whether your Gmail account is logged in elsewhere.

How to use the "Security Checkup" feature on your phone:

First, open the Gmail app.

Then, tap on the profile icon located in the top-right corner.

Select the "Manage your Google Account" option.

Next, navigate to the "Security and sign-in" section.

You will see various options there that you should review. The function of each option is explained in detail below.

Start by checking "Recent Security Activity." This section displays recent security-related events associated with your account. For instance, you can find information here regarding whether a login has occurred from a new device, whether the password has been changed, or the dates and devices used to access your account.

Next, navigate to the section labeled "How You Sign Into Google." Here, you will see various methods for logging into your account, along with your security settings.

Most importantly, check whether "2-Step Verification" is enabled. If it is not, turn it on. This ensures that even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without completing an additional step of verification.

Additionally, you can use "Passkeys." Instead of a password, you can log in using your PIN, fingerprint, or your device's screen lock. When logging in from a new device, you can also authenticate by scanning a QR code.

Then, go to the "Password" section to see when you last changed your password. If it has been a long time since your last change, it is advisable to set a new, strong password.

There is also an option called "Skip Password When Possible." This can reduce the need to type your password every time you access your account from a trusted device that you use regularly.

Next, check the "Google Prompt" setting. When an attempt is made to log into your account from a new device, a notification may be sent to a device where you are already logged in. From there, you can either approve or deny the login attempt.

If you notice an unfamiliar device listed here, go to "Manage Devices" and remove it. Similarly, check the phone numbers used for ‘2-Step Verification,’ as well as your ‘Recovery Phone’ and ‘Recovery Email.’ Ensure that all these are accounts or contact methods that you recognize and are currently using.

Next, go to the ‘Your Devices’ section. Here, you can see which devices are logged into your Google Account. If you find any device that you do not recognize, it is advisable to sign out of it.

After that, check ‘Your Linked Apps.’ This section displays third-party websites and apps that you have accessed by logging in with your Google Account. Remove any apps or websites that you do not recognize, are outdated, or are no longer in use.

Finally, you can also enable ‘Enhanced Safe Browsing.’ This feature helps alert you to risks such as dangerous websites, harmful downloads, or suspicious browser extensions.

Therefore, make it a habit to review these security settings periodically. If you notice any unfamiliar devices, apps, or security-related activity, do not ignore them—review them immediately.