Alex Ruben
How To Remove App Access from Your Google Account on Mobile
If your Google Account is linked to a bunch of third-party apps and services, it’s kind of annoying, but also really important to keep an eye on what’s connected. Sometimes apps cling onto your data longer than they should, and some of them might even keep access after you stop using them. So, cleaning this stuff up periodically is a smart move for your privacy and security. The process isn’t super complex, but there are a few things to watch out for—like which permissions you’re granting or revoking. This guide walks through how to disconnect those shady—or just unused—apps from your Google Account on your Android or iPhone, so you stay in control of your data.
How to Fix This and Get Your Privacy Back on Mobile
Open your web browser and head to your Google Account
This isn’t about the Gmail app or the Google app, but actually about going to your account settings through a browser. Whether it’s Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge—just make sure you’re signed in to the right Google Account (you know, the one tied to all the apps you want to review). You can do this easily: tap the address bar, type https://myaccount.google.com, and sign in if needed. On some setups, this step might be tricky, but honestly, it’s the most straightforward way—mobile browsers are still the best for managing these settings.
Navigate to the Security tab
Once inside your account dashboard, look for the Security menu option—usually at the bottom or on the side menu. Tap into it. That’s where Google keeps all the security-related options, including what apps and devices are connected. Sometimes the menu isn’t obvious and a bit buried, but if you see a section labeled “Your devices” or “Third-party apps with account access,” you’re on the right track. Google’s layout can be kinda inconsistent, so a little hunting might be needed.
Find “Third-party apps with account access” and review them
Scroll down a bit until you spot the section called Your apps with account access. This menu shows every app and service that’s got some level of access—whether it’s just reading your emails or full control. Tap on Manage third-party access or “See all connections” to get the full list. Here’s where you’ll get a real look at what’s hanging around. Be prepared to see stuff you’ve possibly forgotten about or don’t even recognize. Because of course, Google has to make it harder than necessary.
Select an app and disconnect it
Pick an app you want gone. Tap on it, and you’ll see details like what info it’s using and permissions it has. If you spot something suspicious or just no longer use it, scroll down and hit Remove access. Confirm the removal when prompted—usually a simple tap on OK or Remove. You’ll notice that, once confirmed, the app immediately loses access. It’s kinda satisfying, really. Keep in mind, some apps might require you to re-authenticate if you ever want to link them again—so use that with caution.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Regularly checking this list makes a huge difference in keeping your account private. If some app doesn’t seem to be disconnecting properly or the page won’t load, try refreshing or signing out and back in. Sometimes cache or session issues mess things up. Also, watch out when connecting new apps—always review what permissions they ask for before granting access, even if they seem legit.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of those unused or untrusted apps is a simple way to tighten your digital privacy. On mobile, especially, it’s kinda weird to do this without a desktop, but as long as you can get to your Google Account dashboard, you’re covered. Just remember: the smaller your digital fingerprint, the better. Regularly cleanup is way easier than dealing with a breach or privacy issues later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I disconnect third-party apps from my Google Account?
Kind of obvious—limit who has access to your personal stuff and keep your account safe from shady or forgotten apps creeping in.
Can I reconnect an app after disconnecting it?
For sure. You usually just sign back in and grant permissions again, but make sure you trust that app before doing it. Because of course, some apps aren’t as trustworthy as they claim.
What happens to my data after I disconnect an app?
The app loses access immediately, so it can’t see or pull anymore data. But some may have retained copies according to their privacy policies—so, if it’s a really sensitive one, it might be worth checking with the provider.