Managing the apps linked to your Google Account is actually pretty important, especially if you’re into keeping your privacy intact. Sometimes these third-party apps sneak in and get access to your personal info, and before you know it, you’re probably thinking, “Well, when did I give this app permission?” Or worse, you might find some weird app still hanging around that you forgot about. Doing a little cleanup helps prevent potential security hiccups, spam, or just giving out too much info for no reason. This guide will walk through how to see what’s connected, how to manage those apps, and how to kick out stuff you don’t recognize or trust anymore. Whether you’re on your phone or desktop, it’s pretty straightforward once you know where to look.

How to Manage Connected Apps in Your Google Account

Access your Google Account

First off, you gotta get into your Google Account. On a browser, hit up Google Account. Make sure you’re logged in with the right email. If not, punch in your credentials and sign in. Sometimes, on certain devices, the sign-in process can act up — maybe reload the page or try a different browser if things seem sluggish. Once you’re in, you’re ready to do some housecleaning.

Navigate to the security section where the magic happens

  • Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then choose Manage your Google Account.
  • On the left menu, click on Security. Yep, that’s the one.
  • Scroll down until you see the section called Your connections to third-party apps and services. That’s where your connected apps hang out.

View all connected apps and services

In that section, you’ll see a link or button that says See all connections or similar. Drop that, and you’ll get a list of every app, website, or service that’s got permission to access your account. This is where you might spot some shady or old app still lurking around. On some setups, it takes a couple seconds to load — maybe because Google is slow or your connection is iffy, but hang tight. You’ll want to go through this list carefully.

Revoke access from apps you no longer trust

If you see apps that aren’t familiar or you no longer use, you can remove the permissions easily. Click on the app’s name, and there should be an option to Remove access or Delete all connections. Confirm the deletion when prompted. This step is kind of crucial because it cuts the tie and stops the app from being able to see or do anything with your account anymore. Just keep in mind, some apps might need to reconnect later if you still use them — so only remove stuff you’re sure about.

Extra tips & common hiccups

  • It’s worth checking this list every few months — apps pop up or get outdated.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t yet — it’s a good safety net.
  • If you’re having trouble accessing your account or the page is loading weird, try clearing your browser cache or switch to another browser. Sometimes it’s just Google acting weird.
  • On mobile, you can do this through the Google app or via mobile browser — just make sure you’re signed into the right account.

Wrap-up

Going through your connected apps isn’t the most exciting task but it’s really worth doing periodically. It helps keep your account safer and minimizes the risk of apps lingering around with permissions that really shouldn’t have them anymore. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about if a weird app suddenly starts behaving strangely. Just be cautious about what you revoke — some apps or services might be essential for your workflow or streaming setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell which apps have access to my Google Account?

You look in the Security section of your Google Account under Your connections to third-party apps and services. That’s where all the magic (or mischief) happens.

Can I quickly revoke access if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Just find the app in that list and hit Remove access. It’s pretty straightforward — no complicated steps, just a click and confirm.

Is it safe to use third-party apps linked to Google?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The trick is to review what permissions they’re asking for before allowing access. And if you no longer need one or distrust it, revoking access is the way to go. Better safe than sorry, especially if it’s an app behaving weirdly or you just don’t recognize it.