How to Find Devices Connected to Google Account

The past couple of years has changed how we work. As a result, we rely more on technology to assist us. Along the way, we’ve granted more devices access to our accounts. But are they all necessary or is someone else accessing your account? In this tutorial, I’ll show how to find devices connected to your Google account and how to remove them.

Have you ever thought of how many devices access your account? Chances are, you’ve undercounted. I have. Even worse, maybe you borrowed a computer or logged in to a friend’s iPad to read your Gmail and forgot to sign out. This is where some of Google’s security settings can help. Google tracks this info and presents an info panel that shows connected devices as well as any unfamiliar devices.

How to See All Devices on Your Google Account

The first thing you should do is check your devices list. This is the main hardware list but it doesn’t provide any device usage info except for the first sign-in date and recent device access.

1. Log into your Google Account.
2. In any web browser, navigate to https://myaccount.google.com/device-activity/.

This security feature will display a list of devices in sections. The top area is your connected device list (A). In other words, Google thinks you are logged in to these items with your Google account. This is where you want to make sure that you don’t see an unfamiliar device. (B) represents device categories such as computer, phone, etc.

Typically, the first item is the device you’re presently using and will show a blue checkmark (C). The page also highlights new devices with a blue label. The > icon to the right (D) provides actions you can take on the device such as logging out or finding the device. (E) Provides additional help information.

In the screenshot above, you’ll see that Google also provides basic device info such as an image, location, and last device access. However, the information might not be precise. For example, you seldom see the exact location of the device, but an approximation.

The location is an estimate based on the IP address. Sometimes the provided profile may cause concern so you may want to review devices further. In previous versions of this tool, Google provided the device’s IP information.

Getting More Details

Next to each device listing is a > icon. This allow you to see more details regarding the device. Based on the device, you’ll see another screen with details. In some ways, it reminds me of seeing your Chrome browser history except that instead of seeing a page, we’re seeing device info. One feature I appreciate is this page tells me which Apple iPad model I have.

How to Remove a Device from Google

After reviewing your list, you might wish to remove one or more items. Sadly, you can’t in the traditional sense. One would think you could click the 3 vertical dots in the corner and see a menu option for Remove or Delete.

1. Click the Device’s More details link.
2. Review the additional details to ensure it’s the correct device. 

3. Click Sign out.
4. On the pop-up dialog, click Sign out.
5. A Done! dialog appears reminding you some third-party apps might still have access. 

6. Click OK.

After 28 days, the device should drop off provided you don’t log in again.

Now, if you don’t recognize an item, I’d also change your Google account password and suggest you try two-factor authorization (2FA).

Finding Tablets and Phones

While Google’s device activity page can identify account access, it may also be able to find your devices. For Android devices, this is a seamless experience. Even though my phone was off, the Find Phone feature was able to trigger a loud sound. However, for my iPads, the links directed me to go to Apple’s iCloud page. 

Even though I didn’t have the same capabilities as my Apple devices, there was another option worth mentioning. Underneath the description is a link for “Check recent security activity for suspicious changes“. 

If you click that link, you’ll get an option to “Review Events“. Here you’ll see a chronological list of sign-in activities. However, it won’t filter for that device so you’ll have to find your item. After clicking the item, you’ll get an info box with details where you can acknowledge the activity.

While there probably isn’t a need to check which devices connect to your Google account daily, it is a good practice to periodically review. No one wants to find out the hard way that there has been unauthorized access. One suggestion would be to set up a recurring task or reminder with your “To-Do” app of choice.

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