How to Turn on 2-Step Verification

With 2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication), you add an extra layer of security to your account if your password is stolen. After you set up 2-Step Verification, you’ll sign in to your account in two steps using:

• Something you know, like your password
• Something you have, like your phone

Activate 2-Step Verification

1. Open your Google Account.
2. In the navigation panel, select Security.
3. Under “Signing in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification Get started.
4. Follow the on-screen steps.

Verify it’s you with a second step

After you turn on 2-Step Verification, you’ll need to complete a second step to verify it’s you when you sign in. To help protect your account, Google will request that you complete a specific second step.

For ANDROID: Use Google prompts

Important: To use Google prompts, you need an Android phone with updated Google Play services.

We recommend you use Google prompts as your second step. They’re easier to enter than a verification code and can help protect against SIM swap and other phone number-based hacks.

To get Google prompts on your Google Account, you need: 

• An Android phone that’s signed in to your Google Account 
• An iPhone with the Smart Lock app , the Gmail app , or Google app signed in to your Google Account.

Based on the device and location info in the notification, you can: 

• Tap Yes to allow sign-in.
• Tap No to block sign-in.

For COMPUTER: Use Google prompts

We recommend you sign in with Google prompts. It's easier to tap a prompt than enter a verification code. Prompts can also help protect against SIM swap and other phone number-based hacks.

Google prompts are push notifications you’ll receive on:

• Android phones that are signed in to your Google Account 
• iPhones with the Smart Lock app , the Gmail app , or Google app signed in to your Google Account

Based on the device and location info in the notification, you can: 

• Allow the sign in if you requested it by tapping Yes
• Block the sign-in if you didn’t request it by tapping No

For added security, Google may ask you for your PIN or other confirmation.

For iPhone & iPad: Use Google prompts

We recommend you sign in with Google prompts. They’re easier to enter than a verification code and can help protect against SIM swap and other phone number-based hacks.

Google prompts are push notifications you get on iPhones that are signed in to your Google Account with the  Smart Lock app , Gmail app , or Google app . If you sign in to another compatible phone, you automatically get Google prompts on that device, until you sign out.

Based on the device and location info in the notification, you can: 

• Tap Yes to allow sign-in. 
• Tap No to block sign-in.

Use other verification methods

You can set up other verification methods in case you:

• Want increased protection against phishing
• Can’t get Google prompts
• Lose your phone

Skip a second step on trusted devices