Is Google Hangouts Safe?

With the recent invasion of people’s privacy, there have been a series of questions like is google hangouts safe? Check the next part of this article.

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Phoebe Channing   Updated on 2023-12-29 11:45:32  to  Tips

Google is an ecosystem that offers people a series of online services that make internet life easier. Its communication tool – Hangout ensures you connect comfortably with friends and family. With the recent invasion of people’s privacy, there have been a series of questions like is google hangouts safe? Check the next part of this article to understand the level of safety this app offers to users.

Part 1: What Is Google Hangout Used For?

Google Hangouts is majorly used for voice calls, video calls, as well as text-based chat. It’s software that can be used to connect with multiple people at the same time. When anyone creates a group in Google Hangouts, they can quickly reconnect with those individuals on the group again.

Also know that this communication app is capable of storing the past chats of people. That makes it easier to quickly pick up the text conversation where one left it.

When you use this software, you can easily save while communicating with people. Also, you will be able to make phone or video calls via Wi-Fi instead of cutting into your phone plan.

Maybe you want to know what are the disadvantages of Google Hangouts, please note that this communication app has some shortcomings which include :

1. The need for a Google+ Account

Before you can use Google Hangout, you will have to register on Google+. When you do so, you will be able to enjoy all features of Google Hangouts including video conference. Another limitation is that If you have a Google+ account and your friend didn’t have the app, you won’t be able to connect through communication software.

2. Inability to track Messages

Google Hangouts isn’t like WhatsApp or Facebook messenger. When you use Google Hangout, it’s not likely that you will track if the other party has received and read your message. This can cause confusion or anxiety.

3. You can’t set a Status

Google Hangouts doesn’t offer the privilege of customizing your online status. The app only displays whether you’re Online or Offline. It lacks a feature that can display when you are away, busy, or idle.

Part 2: Is Google Hangouts Safe?

Of course, Google Hangouts is safe for anyone to use. This tool usually encrypts information as well as people’s conversations in order to protect your safety and privacy. Once you use it to communicate with people you already know and trust, you’ll be able to communicate safely with your loved ones.

is google hangouts safe

It’s worthy to note that some people are still concern about is google hangouts safe to use because their text chat messages on Google Hangouts are archived. It’s true that Google still has a record of them. Nevertheless, that doesn’t affect that the software is unsafe.

If you’re wondering if is google hangouts safe or is it spam, let it be clear to you that this software can allow you to block anyone who spams you. So, you should be able to understand how safe is google hangouts now.

Part 3: Can You be Hacked through Google Hangout?

Yes, you can be hacked. At this moment, hackers are now exploiting Google Hangout. The application which comes with every Android phone is an alternate to SMS messaging, much like Apple’s iMessage. The software’s automatic video-saving ability left it exposed to hackers using malware to infiltrate phones.

Is google hangouts safe from hackers should now be a matter of how you handle your phone. If you handle your chatting system very well, you will be able to avoid the ability of hacker to penetrate int your communication with another person.

It is good you also know that google hangouts safety precaution should be mastered before attempting to use the app.

Part 4: How to Stay Safe When Using Google Hangouts?

For Hangouts, you might be wondering: What do I do? Well, you have a couple of options.

1. Don’t communicate with anyone you don’t know.

It’s advisable you only add or accept requests from individuals you know and even trust. Always use Google hangout to interact with your family and friends. When a stranger chats you up on the platform, always be bold to resist the temptation of responding to such a message.

2. Prevent anyone else from accidentally accessing your account

If you happen to be using Google Hangouts on a shared/public computer or device (e.g. at a library), be sure to sign out of your Google account when you’re finished to make sure that nobody else can access your account. To sign out, click on your profile photo in the top right corner, then click Sign Out.

3. Secure your account with a good password.

Password is another great tool you can use to secure your hangout account. Endeavor to have a strong password that can make access to your account hard for anyone. Always use a password no one can guess. That helps you protect your account better. You can avoid using your name, date of birth, or something attached to you for a password.

4. If anyone happens to be bothering you on Google Hangouts, block them.

There are usually spams on Google Hangout. Don’t hesitate to block anyone who bothers you on Google Hangouts. If someone is trying to contact you and you don’t want them to be able to, block them to prevent them from contacting you. To block someone, just hover over their name with your cursor, click the downwards arrow, then click Block.

By now, you should already know the answer to the question is chatting on google hangouts safe.

Conclusion

Always know that Google Hangouts has been primarily exposed to several privacy breach issues. Its autosave feature lets your phone receive messages that contain and save malware quickly. When random messages enters your account, you must be careful with how you respond to such messages. Hackers often uses such a platform to gain access to your private data.