9 Tips to Better Use Your Google Account

Your Google Account is the main reason why, after buying a new computer, you don’t have to start re-making your bookmarks and resetting your browser. It’s also the reason why the entirety of your browsing history and settings won’t be lost. You can just buy a new (superior) device and carry it with business as usual. Here are the top nine ways you can leverage an amazing opportunity that is Google Account.  

1. Use Chrome as your browser

Aside from being one of the best-optimized browsers, your Google Account can be perfectly synced with your Chrome. You can sync it across your devices, customize browser settings, and get easy access to Google Services. 

Many people use incognito mode (for several reasons), and even here, your Google Account can remember your browsing history, although it won’t save it onto your account. Access to your bookmarks and settings while enjoying full anonymity is not a small thing. 

2. Secure your account

The most important thing you need to do is ensure the security of your Google Account. Many people are logged into their social media and other platforms via a Google Account. This means that logging in this way could spell a disaster for anyone. Second, you need to remember that, with access to your email, they could request a password reset for any device you have.

First, you need to set a strong password. You can find the right password manager to install on Chrome for extra protection. This way, you’ll have an easier job changing passwords and preventing them from becoming compromised.

The next thing you need to do is introduce a 2FA. This could save your account even if your account becomes compromised.

3. Regularly check app permissions

Some apps require access to your private data, and you agree to give it to them simply because you need the feature/function that this app provides. The problem is that this relationship might continue long after you no longer use this app. This is why you should regularly review your app permissions and remove those apps that you’re not using.

Data collection is inevitable, and it’s not even a bad thing. After all, this is how apps and platforms provide you with a personalized experience. The problem is that some vendors are less honest and may sell your data to questionable parties. This is an outcome you want to avoid. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much work every once in a while. 

4. Sync and backup from your devices

Your Google Account contains all your passwords, browsing history, and, generally speaking, algorithmic profile. After using specific mediums for a while, Google will learn what kind of content to suggest.

More open-minded people are more likely to set up the platform to avoid brainwashing caused by some of the most notorious media groups. Just think about it, you’re subscribed to some platforms for a reason, and others are blocked for just as good of a reason. 

Syncing your account with your devices also ensures that you save your browsing history (some people just use their address bar to access sites they’re the most frequent on). You also want all your photos and documents (especially work-related) to be saved in the cloud in case where anything happens to your HDD/SSD storage.

5. Organize your Gmail

Gmail is one of the best email managers because it gives you so many options for customization. First, you can use labels and categories to organize your emails by group. Some categories already exist, like:

• Primary

• Social

• Promotions

• Updates

• Forums

You can also create filters, automatically sorting emails into your chosen categories. You can even set filters to apply labels to these emails automatically.

Deleting or archiving unnecessary emails will help a lot with the organization of your Gmail. Still, you also need to think about what caused this inbox overflow. More likely than not, you’ll have to unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters to keep it clean. Regularly review and clean up your Gmail since your inbox may get too swamped. 

6. Use Google Workspace

Just a few years back, everyone was still using MS Office. Then, G Suite (as Google Workspace was previously known) blew everyone’s minds. 

The first major advantage of the platform is that it’s completely free, while MS Office still comes at a hefty price. At the same time, Google Workspace doesn’t lag behind its Microsoft counterpart in any feature or functionality. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; millions of people around the globe use these platforms regularly.

The best part is that it’s fully cloud-based, which makes collaboration on the same document and data sharing incredibly simple. This collaboration can occur in real-time, making a world of difference. The platform integration is as simple as it gets, especially with features like Google Meet and Google Calendar. Speaking of which…

7. Use Google Calendar

As we’ve already mentioned, your Google Calendar is tied to your account, meaning you’ll have oversight of all your appointments, meetings, and more, as long as you’re logged in. There’s no other app that gives you this kind of connectivity. 

Here, you have event reminders and a chance to take notes regarding event peculiarities and details.

Also, you have access to multiple calendars to keep some project-related tasks separated from your regular, private events.

Most importantly, sharing calendars is incredibly easy. You can use it to manage or leverage a project for a surprise party. Combined with every other Google Account feature, this calendar has the potential to stand out. 

8. Review connected devices

The easiest way to figure out how safe your account is might be to check connected devices. Chances are that you’ll be logged in via your phone and your computer, but what about your work computer and your SO’s device? Remember that, while this is convenient, people change jobs and break up. Fortunately, you can log out remotely.

Also, this is the simplest way to tell if your account is safe. There’s a log of all the devices you’ve used, usually with their physical location (usually a neighborhood or a city). This way, you can check if there were any unauthorized log-ins. 

Even when you have no cause for doubt, it only takes a second or two to check this, followed by a minute or two of recollection. 

9. Adjust privacy settings

You would be surprised at how much you can customize your Google Account experience by adjusting your privacy settings. First, you can manage your account activity and control how Google tracks and stores all your online behavior. 

You can also control your Ad personalization. This means that you can set a preference for ads that will pop up online. This benefits everyone. If you’re not a target audience for a specific ad, you’re the last person the company should spend their time/money on.

You can also check the location set when you’re not interested in ads or offers from a specific area. You can also control when your location history is shared/used. All of this will take just a few minutes of your time. 

Using Google Account and using it right are two different things

Google Account has so many amazing features you could leverage to benefit. It’s a function that keeps all your browsing history and settings and will even auto-install all your previous plugins when you log into a browser on a new device. With our nine tips, you can get the most value out of it.