How to fix your Google Gmail password on your mobile device
By Enzo Luna
Recently, I received a Google critical security alert in my email that says someone is trying to access my Gmail account and has already logged in using my password. I was taken aback because that same time I was not even using my Gmail account nor reading emails. So, I was surprised that Google sent me the alert.
It's a good thing that I am applying two-factor authentication (2FA) on my account and Google immediately blocked the attempt to open my Gmail by the hacker. I was convinced that it was indeed a hacker because the security alert came from Google. Or so I thought.
The critical security alert came with a notification to verify that it was me who was accessing the Gmail account and I had to click the YES or NO button that came along. I did not click any but instead I checked the email if it was a legit Google source. As far as I can tell, it was. It has the same Gmail address when you received alerts from Google - no-reply@accpints.google.com. Seems legit, right?
Nevertheless, I did not click any link that was inside the security alert email and instead went to my Gmail account settings and from there I logged it out from my device. Thanks to my colleagues who regularly post reminders on social media and from our Tech Editor, Art Samaniego here in Manila Bulletin about phishing attacks and how to avoid fraudsters.
With quick thinking, I immediately opened my Gmail account settings and looked for the 'log-out' or 'remove account' button. Unfortunately, you can't find it from your device. I learned that when you create and add your Gmail account into your device, there is no immediate log-out button available if you access it. Your Gmail account will remain as it is on your device showing only a drop-down menu setting.
I was almost frustrated and looked surprised as to why Google made it difficult for us to simply log-out or remove the account when we're using it on our mobile devices.
What to do next?
Because I don't want you to have a frustrating experience and waste your time looking for that log-out/remove account button, here's a very simple step that will help you easily find them if you want to log-out or remove your Gmail account.
Step 1: Open your Gmail account. Tap your Gmail account icon from the top right portion of your Gmail.
Step 2: Tap the tab/button that says Google Account.
Step 3: There will be a list of menus that will appear. Click your Gmail account address that appears above the list.
Step 4: You will see a list of email addresses (for multiple Gmail accounts) you have added on your device. Scroll down and search for a Managed account on this device.
Step 5: You will be taken to User & Accounts settings. Search for the Google icon and click it.
Step 6: Tap your Gmail address as it appears on your screen.
Step 7: A new window will open that says Accounts and sync. Tap the 3-dotted lines on the right top side of the screen. Select Remove account.
Step 8: Confirm remove account.
When you finish, your Gmail account will no longer be available on your device.Â
Should you wish to change your password, you must add your Gmail account and follow these steps.
How to change password from your device
Step 1: Open your Gmail account. Tap your Gmail account icon from the top right portion of your Gmail.
Step 2: Tap the tab/button that says Google Account.
Step 3: There will be a list of menus that will appear on the screen. Select Personal info from the set of menu tabs.
Step 4: Verify that it is you by entering your current password.
Step 5: Change your password.
