You can enroll in the Advanced Protection Program to get Google’s strongest account security.
Advanced Protection is recommended for anyone who is at an elevated risk of targeted online attacks. This includes journalists, activists, political campaign staffers, business leaders, IT admins, and anyone else whose Google Account contains valuable files or sensitive information.
How Advanced Protection works
Advanced Protection defends against targeted online attacks.
Prevents unauthorized access to your account
Advanced Protection requires security keys or passkeys for sign in to help protect your Google data, like emails, documents, contacts, or other personal Google data. Even if a hacker has your username and password, they can't sign in without your security key or the device with your passkey.
Tip: You need your security key or passkey when you sign in for the first time on a computer, browser, or device. If you stay signed in, you may not be asked to use your security key the next time you log in.
Provides extra protection from harmful downloads
Advanced Protection performs extra checks on downloads. When you try to download a file that may be harmful, it notifies you or blocks the download. On your Android phone, only apps from verified stores are allowed.
Keeps your personal information secure
To prevent unauthorized access, Advanced Protection only allows Google apps and verified third-party apps to access your Google Account data, and only with your permission.
Advanced Protection also blocks hackers from impersonating you to access your account. If anyone tries to recover your account, Advanced Protection takes extra steps to verify your identity.
Turn on Advanced Protection
You can enroll in Advanced Protection with passkeys or security keys. To ensure access to your account, we recommend adding a recovery phone number and email address, as well as an optional backup passkey or security key to store in a safe place.
- Purchase security keys that are compatible with the devices you use, if you choose to use security keys. Learn how to order security keys.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to turn on Advanced Protection.
Tip: To use security keys with an iPhone or an iPad, a security key must first be added to your Google Account.
Get answers to common questions
Learn more about Advanced Protection, including details about how the program works and how to fix problems.
Decide if Advanced Protection is right for you
Advanced Protection is Google’s strongest account security, which comes with some restrictions on your account:
- You need your passkey or security key to sign in on any new device.
- To read your email, you can use Gmail or use the iOS Mail app with your Google Account.
- You aren't able to use your Google Account with some apps and services that require access to sensitive data like your emails and Google Drive. This way, hackers won’t have access to your personal Google data.
- If you lose access to your account, account recovery requires extra steps.
Secure your account without Advanced Protection
If Advanced Protection isn’t right for you or your security keys haven't arrived yet, you can still take steps to make your account more secure.