Google Play services links phone numbers across Android accounts by default

Google automatically links phone numbers across multiple accounts signed into the same Android device by default, raising privacy concerns and potential security risks regarding account separation. The author explains that this feature lacks upfront user consent and can connect work, personal, and anonymous identities. To mitigate these risks, users can disable automatic phone number verification, audit linked numbers, switch to passkeys or authenticators, or use multiple user profiles and secure folders for device isolation. Open article →