Google will turn on 2-Step Verification soon for many accounts. Using a second step to sign in is quick and easy, and it makes your Google Account much more secure.
How 2-Step Verification works once it’s turned on
Keep your phone nearby when you sign in.
If you sign in with a password, you’ll complete a second step, usually on your phone. You may tap a sign-in prompt that Google sends to your phone, or enter a code you receive as a text. (Charges from your carrier may apply.) This helps Google make sure it’s really you signing in.
To sign in with a simple and secure alternative to passwords, you can create a passkey. With a passkey, you can sign in to your Google Account with your fingerprint, face scan, or phone screen lock, like a PIN. Signing in with a passkey bypasses your second authentication step, since this verifies that you have possession of your device.
You won’t need to sign in more often than you do now. You’ll only sign in when using a new device, or when Google needs to make sure it’s really you.
Tip:
- By default, when you create a passkey you opt in to a passkey-first, password-less sign in experience. If you always want to use your password first, you can change this default preference in your account settings.
How 2-Step Verification helps protect your personal info
The personal information in online accounts is valuable to hackers. Password theft is the most common way accounts are compromised.
For example, deceptive messages or lookalike sites often trick people into sharing their passwords. These password-stealing scams are common and even experts are sometimes fooled.
Signing in with both a password and a second step on your phone protects against password-stealing scams. Even if someone gets your password online, they won’t also have your phone.
Unlike passwords, passkeys can only exist on your devices. They can't be written down or accidentally given to a bad actor. When you use a passkey to sign in to your Google Account, it proves to Google that you have access to your device and are able to unlock it.
Answers to common questions about 2-Step Verification
2-Step Verification adds one more step, but it will usually be quick and easy.
You probably already use 2-Step Verification for some of your other online accounts.
These types of backups are only available after 2-Step Verification is turned on.
Store or print backup codes
If you can’t use your phone, backup codes can help you get into your account. You can download backup codes to a device or print and store them in a safe place.
Get codes from an app
You can get codes to sign in to your account, even if you can’t get text messages. Learn how to install the Google Authenticator app to get codes on your phone.
Set up a security key
Security keys are one of the most secure second steps you can use with your Google Account. Learn how to use a security key.If you lose your phone or don’t have it with you, Google can use your recovery email to help you sign in.
Make sure your recovery info is complete and up to date.
Currently, you can turn off 2-Step Verification after it’s turned on automatically, but signing in with just a password makes your account much less secure.
Soon, 2-Step Verification will be required for most Google Accounts.