Here is a complete guide on how to turn on Google 2-Step Verification to add an extra layer of security to your account.
Worried about your password being stolen or your Google account being hacked? The best solution is to activate Google 2-Step Verification which will allow you to log into your account more securely with your password or phone.
Let’s find out in detail all the steps to be taken to set up the so-called two-factor authentication on Google .
How to activate Google 2-Step Verification
Two – step verification or two-factor authentication was not a mandatory tool for the Google account, but it seems that at the end of 2021 Google made the procedure mandatory for 150 million users, who must accept it to access Gmail, YouTube , Google Drive and all other related services.
You can activate it and make your online accounts more secure, just enter your username and password and immediately afterwards a unique code , received via SMS, via email or with a call, upon login. You can also use some apps, such as Google Authenticator , or a hardware security key.
This will further protect you and allow you to log into Google without the thought that malicious people can recover your credentials and steal your data. Now this type of protection is becoming very widespread and even Amazon and Facebook are inviting their users to apply it. If you also have a Facebook account, find out how two-factor authentication works on Facebook .
To allow two-step verification, go to your Google account by connecting to this page and in the navigation panel, press, in the left column, on Security .
In the Sign in to Google section , select Two-Step Verification (which you’ll see Off ) .
In the following screen click on Start and, immediately after, to verify your identity, enter the Google password and click on Next .
Now you need to use your phone as a second step to log in. After entering your password, Google messages will be securely sent to every phone you log in to. By pressing on Show more options , instead of receiving messages on the phone, you can use a security token, or a text message or voice call.
If, on the other hand, among the devices that can receive messages you don’t see your phone , do this:
- On Android: Go to Settings> Accounts> Add Account and select Google to sign in.
- On iOS: Download the Google app from the App Store and log in with your Google account.
Click on the Continue button .
Add a backup option to log into your Google account by indicating your phone number. Google will only use it for account security.
Then specify how you want to receive the access codes, whether by SMS or by phone call .
If you have lost your phone alternatively, remaining in the same previous screen, you can take advantage of another backup option by clicking at the bottom on Use another backup option .
Google will allow you to use one-time passcode backup codes that you can use to log in when you don’t have your phone handy. Each code can only be used once.
Print these codes or take a screenshot of the page to keep them.
If instead, as a backup option, you have added your phone number, press the Send button . Wait for the SMS or voice call to arrive and on the next page enter the verification code received .
After entering the code, click on the Next button .
The procedure is almost over. Confirm activation of 2-Step Verification by pressing the Activate button .
Immediately after, you will receive an email in which Google will inform you that the “ Two-Step Verification has been activated” .
On the last page you will find a summary of how the login procedure works: upon access, after entering the password, Google will ask you for a second step to verify that you are the person who wants to access.
To conclude, returning to the main page of your Google account , to be exact, in the Security section , if you have followed all the steps we have described to you, in the Google Access section , next to the Two-step verification item , you should be able to view ” On ”in place of“ Off “.
If I always use the same mobile device or computer, and you don’t want to complete the second verification step every time you log in, check the “ Don’t ask again on this computer ” box.
Remember that if you turn on 2-Step Verification, your phone’s access mode to your account will be disabled . For more information I suggest you read our guide to access Google in the various ways.