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Google Account Tips and Tricks You Should Know (2026)

Using Google services

Short answer: Google+ shut down years ago, but your Google account is now the hub of far more useful tools. The tricks worth knowing today are about controlling your data and privacy, securing the account, and getting more out of Search, Photos and Drive. Here are the ones I actually use.

Take control of your data

  • See everything Google has: My Activity shows your searches, watched videos and more, and lets you delete it or set auto-delete.
  • Auto-delete history: set Web, Location and YouTube history to auto-delete after 3 or 18 months.
  • Download your data: Google Takeout exports everything from any Google service.

Secure your account

  • Turn on 2-Step Verification, the single most important account safety step.
  • Run the Security Check-up to review devices and app access.
  • Remove old third-party apps that still have access to your account.

Hidden-gem Google tools

ToolWhat it does
Google LensSearch or copy text from any photo
Google KeepQuick notes synced everywhere
Find My DeviceLocate/lock/erase a lost phone free
Google Photos searchFind photos by what is in them

Search like a pro

  • Use quotes for exact phrases, and site: to search within one site.
  • Add filetype:pdf to find documents.
  • Use the Tools menu to filter results by date.

The non-obvious tip: set auto-delete once and forget it

Most people either never clean their Google history or obsess over deleting it. The smart middle path is to set auto-delete (say, every 3 months) once, in My Activity. Then Google keeps recent data useful for personalization but never hoards years of your history. It is a one-time setting that quietly protects your privacy forever after.

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Plus still around?

No, Google+ shut down in 2019. Your Google account now centers on more useful tools like Search, Photos, Drive and account privacy controls.

How do I control what Google knows about me?

Use My Activity to view and delete your history or set auto-delete, and Google Takeout to export your data from any service.

How do I secure my Google account?

Turn on 2-Step Verification, run the Security Check-up to review devices and app access, and remove old third-party apps that still have access.

What are some hidden Google tools?

Google Lens (search or copy text from photos), Keep (synced notes), Find My Device (locate a lost phone), and Photos search by content.

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