Got a Google account? Chances are, it’s connected to more apps and services than you think, including some you haven’t used in ages. From those “sign in with Google” places to browser extensions and add-ons on Gmail and Google Drive, the list goes on.

While it’s fine to use your Google account for convenience and granting access to useful apps, it’s important to be mindful of your security. When you stop using third-party apps but leave them connected to your Google account, you’re putting your data and account at risk. To stay safe, it’s best to minimize the number of apps with access and only keep the ones you trust and regularly use.

Discovering and managing these connections is simple. Here’s how:

1. Visit your Google account page and sign in.
2. Click on “Security” in the left menu.
3. Scroll down to “Your connections to third-party apps and services” in the main section.
4. Select “See all connections” to view a comprehensive list of connected apps.

To investigate further:

1. Click on any entry to learn more about the app’s permissions and access to Google apps.
2. If you wish to revoke access for an app, select “Delete all connections” and confirm.

If you need additional details before disconnecting:

1. Click the “See details” button to check when the app was linked to your Google account.
2. To stop access, click the blue button labeled either “Delete connection” or “Stop using Sign in with Google.”
3. Note that removing access doesn’t prevent you from using the app in the future, but you’ll need to reestablish the connection by entering your password or passkey.

What if I want to disconnect third party services off my phone?

On Android:

1. Open Settings, tap “Google,” and select “Manage your Google Account.”
2. Switch to the “Security” tab and scroll down to “Your connections to third-party apps & services.”

On iOS:

1. Open the Google app, tap your profile picture, and choose “Manage your Google Account.”
2. Open the “Security” tab and scroll down to “Your connections to third-party apps & services.”

For Google Drive-connected apps:

1. Visit Google Drive on the web and log in.
2. Click the cog icon (top right corner) and choose “Settings” from the menu, then select “Manage apps” on the left.
3. Review the list of connected apps and select “Options” next to any third-party app to manage it.
4. Choose “Disconnect from Drive” to sever the connection (some apps offer the option to delete associated data).
5. If an app is grayed out, it’s likely unavailable. Click “Options” and select “Delete hidden app data” to remove any remaining files.

Remember to review your browser extensions too:

1. In Chrome and Edge, click the three dots (top right), then go to “Extensions” > “Manage Extensions.”
2. In Firefox, click the three lines (top right), then choose “Add-ons and themes” > “Extensions.”
3. In Safari, select “Safari” > “Settings” > “Extensions” to access the list.

By staying vigilant and keeping your connections minimal, you’ll enhance the security of your Google account and data.