With 2-Step Verification, or two-factor authentication, you can add an extra layer of security to your account in case your password is stolen. After you set up 2-Step Verification, you can sign in to your account with: Your password and a second step When you sign in, you may encounter different authentication challenges. The challenge you'll get is what Google thinks is best to help you sign in easily and keep out hijackers. 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 . Allow 2-Step Verification Open your Google Account . Tap Security & sign-in . Under “How you sign in to Google,” select Turn on 2-Step Verification . Follow the on-screen steps. Tip: If you use an account through your work, school, or other group, these steps might not work. If you can’t set up 2-Step Verification, contact your administrator for help . Turn on 2-Step Verification Verify it’s you with a second step When you sign in with a passkey, it bypasses your second authentication step, since it verifies that you have possession of your device. Unlike passwords, passkeys only exist on your devices. They can’t be written down or accidentally given to a bad actor. After you turn on 2-Step Verification, you need to complete a second step to verify it’s you if you choose to sign in with a password. To help protect your account, Google will ask you to complete a specific second step. If you add a phone number for 2-Step Verification, it may take up to 7 days for Google to trust the phone number. If someone tries to use your account without your permission, this allows you to quickly secure your account. If you have a trusted passkey or security key, you may be able to speed up the process for Google to trust your new 2-Step Verification phone number. Learn how to speed up this process . If we detect something suspicious about a new 2SV phone number, we will disable it and notify you. You have 30 days to confirm you added the disabled 2SV phone number . If no action is taken in response, we will then delete the suspicious 2SV phone number from your account. Use Google prompts Important: To use Google prompts, you need an Android phone with updated Google Play services . If you choose not to sign in with a passkey, we recommend you use Google prompts as your second step . 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. You’ll receive Google prompts as push notifications on: Android phones that are signed in to your Google Account.

iPhones with the Gmail app , the Google Photos app , the YouTube app , or the 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 . 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 Passkeys are a simple and secure alternative to passwords. With a passkey, you can sign in to your Google Account with your fingerprint, face scan, or device screen lock, like a PIN. You can create a passkey on a phone, computer, or hardware security key. Learn how to create a passkey . A hardware security key is a small device that you can buy to help verify it’s you when you sign in. When we need to make sure it’s you, you can simply connect the key to your phone, tablet, or computer. Learn how to order your hardware security keys . Tip: When a hacker tries to get your password or other personal information, passkeys and hardware security keys protect your Google Account from phishing attacks. Learn more about phishing attacks . When you don't have an internet connection or mobile service, you can set up Google Authenticator or another app that creates one-time verification codes. To help verify it's you, enter the verification code on the sign-in screen. Use your mobile phone to scan the QR code on your computer to verify your number. Follow the steps on your phone to securely verify your number. Follow the steps on your phone to securely verify your number. To complete the process, return to your computer. Do not give out your backup codes to anyone. You can't download backup codes if you're in the Advanced Protection Program. Skip a second step on trusted devices Related resources Gmail Security and Privacy Settings Need more help? Try these next steps: We see you have a new Google Account! Learn how to improve your experience with your Google Account checklist.