Blog

Setup 2-Step Verification For Your Google Account

In addition to your username and password, you’ll enter a code that Google will send you via text or voice message upon signing in.

Why you should use 2-step verification

  • 2-step verification drastically reduces the chances of having the personal information in your Google account stolen by someone else.
    • Why? Because hackers would have to not only get your password and your username, they’d have to get a hold of your phone.
  • The verification code can be generated by a number of methods, including SMS TXT, Authenticator App, FIDO keys (USB “key”).

Step 1: Set up 2-Step Verification

  1. Go to the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.
  2. Select Get started.
  3. Follow the steps on the screen.

Choose a second verification step

When you set up 2-Step Verification, you can choose your second verification step. If you don’t want to use the text message (SMS) or call option, select Choose another option.

  • Text message (SMS) or call
    • Google will send a 6-digit code to your phone. You can choose to get your code in a text message (SMS) or through a voice call. Then, you just enter the code on the screen where you’re signing in to help prove it’s you.
  • Security key
    • A security key is a small device that you can buy to help prove it’s you signing in. When Google needs to make sure it’s you, you can simply connect the key to your phone, tablet, or computer. These keys improve the security of your account, and don’t require you to enter codes or carry your mobile phone.
  • Google prompt
    • When Google needs to make sure it’s you signing in, they’ll send a prompt to your phone. Then, you can simply tap the prompt to help prove it’s you or let us know if it isn’t to help protect your account. Google prompts improve the security of your account and are faster than entering a code.
  • Google Authenticator
    • You can use the Google Authenticator app to receive codes even if you don’t have an Internet connection or mobile service.

Step 2: Set up backups

Backups help you get back into your account if you forget your password, lose your phone, or can’t sign in for another reason. With backups, you’re much less likely to get locked out of your account.

  1. Go to the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.
  2. Scroll down to the “Set up alternative second step” section.
  3. Add an alternative second step like:

Step 3: Set up recovery info

If you forget your password or someone else is using your account, having updated recovery info can help you get your account back.