Turn on 2-Step Verification
With 2-Step Verification, also called 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
Your phone
Allow 2-Step Verification
Open your Google Account.
In the navigation panel, select Security.
Under “How you sign in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification and then Get started.
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.
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 , the Google Photos app Photos, the YouTube app YouTube, 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.
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 , the Google Photos app Photos, the YouTube app YouTube, 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.
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 , the Google Photos app Photos, the YouTube app YouTube, 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