How to manage Gmail security and privacy settings

Gmail is one of the world's most popular email services, and for a good reason — it's free, has lots of great features, and has client apps for most platforms. However, most people don't take the time to adjust security and privacy settings, and you really should do so. Here's how to control Gmail privacy settings.

In this article, we'll show you how to adjust security settings for Gmail and for other Google services like Maps and search.

I don’t usually recommend specific apps, but I’ve found that CleanMyMac is an easy way to carry out a privacy scan and clear private data on your Mac. Just open the app and click Protection in the sidebar > Scan. CleanMyMac will now spot all privacy threats. It's really that easy!

How to manage your Gmail security and privacy settings?

The first step is a quick security check up. 

Don’t worry; it’s painless!

1.  Go to account.google.com and click Sign In.
2. Type in your Google user ID and password.
3. Type 'Security Checkup' in the search bar. You may see the message telling you that you have security recommendations. If you saw it, click Complete [x] recommended actions.
4. Start with the Your devices section and click the arrow to see the devices.
5. If there are any devices on the list you no longer use or do not recognize, click 'Remove.'
6. Move on to the Recent Security Events section and review the events. If there are any you don't recognize, click the link at the bottom of the list.
7. Check the verification methods under Sign in and Recovery. Review them and edit them if necessary by clicking the pencil icon or the 'i' to find out more.
8. Finally, check the Third-party access section and make sure all the apps and services listed are ones you still use. If not, click Remove.

And that’s it! The security check is complete. 

Now it’s time to review your login settings.

1.  Click Security & sign-in in the left sidebar.
2. In the How you sign in to Google section, click Password if you want to change your password. 
3. Decide whether you want to use your phone to sign in to your Google account.
4. You should turn on 2-step verification — it makes your account much more secure. Click on the 2-step verification section to get started, then follow the instructions on the screen.

Now do a privacy checkup.

1. Click ‘Data & privacy.’ 
2. Click Privacy Checkup and complete all steps.
3. Now, return to the previous menu. In there, read the description of each section, and if you want to make changes, click the link at the bottom of the section.
4. Pay special attention to the Info you share with other sections.
5. Change anything that you’re not happy with.

The next section — People & sharing — relates to how people are able to contact you when you’re using Google services.  Check your profile and location sharing information and make any changes that seem relevant.

Also, check data from apps and services you use. Make your way through all of the boxes and set up the options.

Check audio recording permissions

1.  In the Data & Privacy, go to Web & App Activity.
2. Look for Include voice and audio activity. If it is selected, it means Google is currently recording audio using the microphone on your devices. I don’t use Google Assistant, so I have set it to off, or paused, as Google calls it. 

How to fully erase your web traces

To feel secure, you may want to occasionally clear your private data from these common sources:

• Wi-Fi networks list (note: on macOS Sonoma and later, including macOS Tahoe, Wi-Fi networks can only be removed via System Settings, not through CleanMyMac)
• Skype conversations
• Recent downloads
• Autofill values

This can be done, again, with CleanMyMac. This app is notarized by Apple, so you’re safe using it.

You may have read stories about Google's approach to privacy, but the truth is it provides lots of tools to help you manage the data it holds about you. Follow the steps above to take control of your data and ensure you use Google safely.