- Errors in the Gmail for mobile application may result from enabling this setting. Learn more
- Errors in Google Toolbar may result from enabling this setting. Learn more
If you sign in to Gmail via a non-secure Internet connection, like a public wireless or non-encrypted network, your Google account may be more vulnerable to hijacking. Non-secure networks make it easier for someone to impersonate you and gain full access to your Google account, including any sensitive data it may contain like bank statements or online log-in credentials. We recommend selecting the 'Always use https' option in Gmail any time your network may be non-secure. HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a secure protocol that provides authenticated and encrypted communication.
To enable this feature in Gmail:
- Sign in to Gmail.
- Click Settings at the top of any Gmail page.
- Set 'Browser Connection' to 'Always use https.'
- Click Save Changes.
- Reload Gmail.
Please note that selecting 'Always use https' will prevent you from accessing Gmail via HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). In addition, it may make Gmail a bit slower. If you trust the security of your network, you can turn this feature off at any time.
If you use a public computer to check your email, it's also important to end each of your Gmail sessions by clicking Sign out at the top of any Gmail page and to close all Gmail browser windows.