Google has been automatically verifying and linking phone numbers from Android devices to every signed-in Google account on that device since September 2025. The feature is enabled by default during setup and applies to existing and future accounts, as well as new SIM cards. Google says verification supports account recovery, RCS messaging, and features like Better sharing, video calls, and emergency location services.
Users began receiving emails from noreply-phone-verification@google.com notifying them that their numbers had been verified, prompting concern. The setting can only be managed on the phone itself. To disable it, users must navigate to Settings > Google > All services > Privacy & security > Phone number verification and turn off "Verify phone numbers automatically."
Disabling verification removes RCS chats from Google Messages and prevents quick account recovery. Google also introduced Sign in with Mobile Number in October 2025, allowing users to recover accounts using their lock screen passcode. In May 2025, Google began testing a policy limiting new accounts to 5GB of free storage unless a phone number is linked, down from the usual 15GB.
Google states it does not sell personal data, including phone numbers. However, numbers already linked must be removed manually through each account's Google settings under Personal info > Phone.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing