Google is quietly linking your phone number to other Android accounts

This setting has been in place by default since September 2025.

By Luke James Oct. 24, 2026 2:45 pm EST Jetcityimage/Getty Images Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

Android phones have been attaching their SIM's phone number to every signed-in Google account on that device for more than a year. Google's support documentation says that it verifies the number automatically during setup and adds it to every account on the phone, including work and secondary accounts. According to Google, verification enables features like account recovery and RCS messaging, but the company doesn't explain why the number needs to be added to every account.