Google users who open a sign-in page on the company’s website receive a notification currently. It reads “A new look is coming soon. Google is improving its sign-in page with a more modern look and feel”.
A click on the dismiss button closes the notification on the sign-in page. There is no link or button to get more information on the change.
The current sign-in page uses multiple pages for the process of logging in to a Google account. Users need to type or paste the email address or phone number first, and then the account password to sign-in. Other authentication options, including using a Google Titan security key, are also supported.
The reason for the “a new look is coming soon” announcement
The announcement offers barely any details. Google does not reveal when it is going to change the sign-in page nor reveals how it will look like. The only information is that the page will change and that its appearance will change.
You may wonder why Google is making the announcement to users. While Google does not reveal its reason, it seems likely that the company wants users to be prepared.
Many may look critically at a different sign-in page. Some may suspect foul play or a successful attack on Google.
The announcement may help reassure some users and organizations. When the new Google sign-in page lands, users who have seen the notification may use it to log in without worrying too much about the change.
It is likely that Google is going to announce the new sign-in page officially on one of its blogs or websites shortly before or after the new page goes live.
Still, some Google users may use a search engine or interactions with an AI to make sure that the change is legitimate.
Making sure it is Google’s sign-in page
It takes just a few clicks to verify the legitimacy of a webpage. First step is to look at the URL in the address bar. Is it a Google domain? The current sign-in page starts with https://accounts.google.com/, which you may verify quickly.
It may be necessary to click or tap in the address field in some browsers, as some information may be omitted.
Next step is to click or tap on the icon on the right of the address. This displays information about the connection. Look for “Connection is secure”, “Connection secure” or a similar message. If you see this, you are on the “real” Google sign-in page.
Now You: do you verify sign-in pages before logging in?