2-Step Verification

Why do you need it?

It's easier than you think for someone to steal your password.

Any of these common actions could put you at risk of having your password stolen:

Using the same password on more than one site
Downloading software from the Internet
Clicking on links in email messages
2-Step Verification can help keep bad guys out, even if they have your password.

Imagine losing access to your account and everything in it. When a bad guy steals your password, they could lock you out of your account, and then do some of the following:

Go through – or even delete – all of your emails, contacts, photos, etc.
Pretend to be you and send unwanted or harmful emails to your contacts
Use your account to reset the passwords for your other accounts (banking, shopping, etc.)

How it works

You'll enter your password - Whenever you sign in to Google, you'll enter your password as usual.
You'll be asked for something else - Then, a code will be sent to your phone via text, voice call, or our mobile app. Or, if you have a Security Key, you can insert it into your computer’s USB port.

During sign-in, you can choose not to use 2-Step Verification again on that particular computer. From then on, that computer will only ask for your password when you sign in.

You'll still be covered, because when you or anyone else tries to sign in to your account from another computer, 2-Step Verification will be required.

How it protects you

An extra layer of security

Most people only have one layer – their password – to protect their account. With 2-Step Verification, if a bad guy hacks through your password layer, he'll still need your phone or Security Key to get into your account.

With 2-Step Verification, you'll protect your account with something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone or Security Key).

Verification codes made just for you

Codes are uniquely crafted for your account when you need them. If you choose to use verification codes, they will be sent to your phone via text, voice call, or our mobile app. Each code can only be used once.

See Features to learn about backup options for times when your phone is not available.

So, this is how you get started

Start your 2 Step Verification activation

Log in to the settings page for your Google Account by clicking your name or picture in the upper right corner of the screen, and then click "My Account". Select Security and then

Next you will see a screen that confirms the start process. Nothing of value here. Just click the "Get started" button.

Next it's time to sign in to your account.

On the next page you are acquired to fill in your phone number. Here you have the option to receive the confirmation code sent as a text message or if you want a to receive a phone call. Now click "Try it".

So when you received the code you enter it and click "Next".

Note that there is a option to resend the code just in case you did not receive it the first time.

Time to activate your 2-step verfication. Just click "Turn on".

Now when you are done you end up on a page with an option to turn off the 2-step verification. That is not what you want to do. What you want to do is to scroll down to Backup codes. Click "Setup". You will now see a page displaying the backup codes. Print them and put them in a safe place.

Now, if you are the type who do not like receiving codes by text messages you have the option to install the Authenticator app. Click the setup. There are other options but these three options of receiving codes are what we recommend.

Sign in using App Passwords

An App password is a 16-digit passcode that gives an app or device permission to access your Google Account. If you use 2-Step-Verification and are seeing a “password incorrect” error when trying to access your Google Account, an App password may solve the problem. Most of the time, you’ll only have to enter an App password once per app or device, so don’t worry about memorizing it.

Note: If you have iOS 8.3 on your iPhone or OSX 10.10.3 on your Mac, you will no longer have to use App passwords to use 2-Step Verification.

Why you may need an App password

When you sign up for 2-Step Verification, we normally send you verification codes. However, these codes do not work with some apps and devices, like Gmail on your iPhone or iPad, Thunderbird, and Outlook. Instead, you’ll need to authorize the app or device the first time you use it to sign in to your Google Account by generating and entering an App password.

How to generate an App password

Visit your App passwords page. You may be asked to sign in to your Google Account.
At the bottom, click Select app and choose the app you’re using.
Click Select device and choose the device you’re using.
Select Generate.
Follow the instructions to enter the App password (the 16 character code in the yellow bar) on your device.
Select Done.

Once you are finished, you won’t see that App password code again. However, you will see a list of apps and devices you’ve created App passwords for.

Note: You may not be able to create an App password for less secure apps. Learn more about allowing less secure apps.

Forgot your App password

Every App password is only used once. But don't worry, you can always generate a new App password whenever you need one, even for a device or application you've authorized before.