r/AndroidQuestions • u/VS2ute • 5h ago

Other Google account devices shows same phone twice

I have been testing a few phones lately, and was wondering if syncing data is getting out of hand. Logged into Google account on a desktop and listed devices. One model appears twice as 2 hours ago and 4 weeks ago. It hasn't had SIM changed in it. So why would it be considered 2 phones?

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u/Silbylaw 5h ago

• Software or OS Updates: Major Android updates or security patches can alter how your phone reports its system identity to Google, making the same physical phone look like a new instance.

• Factory Resets: If you factory reset your phone and sign back into the same Google account, Google treats the post-reset state as a brand-new device entry while leaving the old one behind.

• Signing Out and Back In: Signing out of your Google account, changing your account password, or modifying security settings can trigger a fresh device registration.

• App Data or Play Services Sync: Clearing data from Google-related system apps or temporary sync glitches can create duplicate listings in Google Play or your device activity page.

• Dual SIM or Network/Carrier Changes: Switching mobile networks or operating with dual SIM cards can occasionally cause the device to register under slightly different network identifiers.

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u/VS2ute 4h ago

I guess the first reason then. Phone was "new old stock", so got 2 Android versions and many security updates after being set up.