Should You Use “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Apple”?
You’ve probably seen it before — a button that says “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Apple” when you're creating a new account or logging into an app or website. It might seem convenient (and it is!), but is it the best choice for you?
In this guide, we’ll walk through what these sign-in options actually do, when they’re helpful, when they’re not, and how to make informed choices that keep your accounts secure and organized. And if you ever want help untangling your logins or disconnecting an account, techpals.org is just a click away.
What Do “Sign in with Google” and “Sign in with Apple” Actually Do?
When you use one of these options, you're allowing a website or app to verify your identity using your existing Google or Apple account instead of making you create a new username and password from scratch.
In other words: it’s a shortcut — a secure one — that says, “Hey, this person is already verified by Google or Apple, so let’s skip the long registration process.”
These are often called single sign-on options, and they’ve become common on apps, shopping sites, social platforms, and more.
Benefits of Using Google or Apple to Sign In
Using one of these buttons can actually improve your security and reduce hassle, especially if you're someone who:
Has trouble remembering passwords
Frequently signs up for new apps or services
Wants a faster, less frustrating login experience
Here’s why these options are popular:
✅ Fewer Passwords to Remember
No need to create or memorize a new password — you use your Google or Apple login instead.
✅ Built-In Security
These accounts typically have strong protections, including two-factor authentication. When you sign in with Google or Apple, you're benefiting from those extra security layers.
✅ Faster Setup
Skip the forms. Signing in with Google or Apple usually fills in your name and email automatically, saving time.
✅ Privacy Controls (Especially with Apple)
Apple gives you the option to hide your email address from the app you're signing into. Instead, they generate a random address that forwards to your inbox, which gives you more control over your data.
When It’s a Good Idea to Use Google or Apple Sign-In
These options are usually safe — and smart — if the app or website is reputable and you’re signing in on your own device.
Here’s when to feel confident using them:
You’re signing up for a well-known app, like a newspaper, game, or service you trust
You don’t want to keep track of another password
You’re on your personal phone, tablet, or laptop
You already use a Google or Apple account with strong security (like two-factor authentication)
Using these sign-in tools can help you stay organized and avoid the common trap of reusing the same password across different sites (a big no-no for online safety).
When You Might Want to Think Twice
While signing in with Google or Apple is convenient, it’s not always the best choice — especially in certain situations.
Here are a few cases where it’s better to pause and think before clicking:
⚠️ You’re Using a Shared or Public Device
If you're not on your own device (like a friend’s phone, a library computer, or a work laptop), signing in with your main Google or Apple account could leave you logged in — or expose more data than you intended.
⚠️ You Don’t Want Accounts Linked
When you use a single account to sign into many services, you're creating a web of connected accounts. That’s usually fine, but it does mean that someone who gets into your main account could gain access to others, too.
⚠️ You’re Unsure What Data Is Being Shared
Some apps may request access to your contacts, calendar, or other personal data. While Apple tends to limit this automatically, Google might share more info depending on the app's request. Always check the permissions first.
⚠️ You Might Lose Access Later
If you ever lose access to your Google or Apple account, it may also mean losing access to other accounts tied to it. Having a recovery plan in place (like a backup email or phone number) is key.
Bonus: What About “Sign in with Facebook”?
You may also see “Sign in with Facebook” — and while it works similarly, many people are moving away from it due to privacy concerns and account security issues. Unlike Apple and Google, Facebook has a history of sharing more user data with third-party apps.
If you’re choosing between Google, Apple, and Facebook, we recommend:
First choice: Apple (for privacy and control)
Second choice: Google (for speed and ease)
Third choice (or skip): Facebook (only if you’re comfortable with how your data may be used)
How to Check Which Apps Are Linked to Your Google or Apple Account
Want to see which services you’ve signed into with Google or Apple?
For Google:
Review the list of apps and services
Click on each one to see what data it has access to — and remove access if you no longer use it
For Apple:
On your iPhone, open Settings
Tap your Apple ID name at the top
Tap Password & Security → Apps Using Apple ID
Tap any app to stop using your Apple ID with it
Doing this regularly is a great way to keep your digital life tidy — and secure. Not sure how? TechPals can walk you through it at techpals.org.
Need to Switch From Google or Apple Sign-In to a Regular Password?
Maybe you used your Apple or Google login by accident. Or maybe you just want to keep your accounts separate going forward.
Here’s what to do:
Log in to the app or website using your Google or Apple credentials
Go to account settings or profile
Look for an option like “Add password” or “Change login method”
Follow the steps to set up a separate email and password login
Some services don’t allow switching easily — in that case, you may need to create a new account altogether or contact their support team.
Still unsure how to make the change? TechPals.org can help you do it safely, without losing access to your data.
Final Thoughts: Convenience Meets Caution
Signing in with Google or Apple can make your life easier — but like any tech tool, it’s worth using with awareness.
If you’re someone who struggles with passwords or wants a faster way to manage logins, this option can be a real game-changer. Just make sure you:
Trust the app or website you're signing into
Use secure devices
Know how to check (and manage) your linked accounts
Have a plan if you ever lose access to your main account
Need help figuring out which apps are connected to what, how to clean things up, or how to switch to a different login method? That’s exactly what we’re here for. Visit techpals.org and get simple, step-by-step help — no jargon, no stress.
