How to Enable 2 Step Verification in Google or Gmail Account

With cyber threats and hacking attempts on the rise, it has never been more important to secure your online accounts. After all, you don’t want to receive an alert that someone tried to access your Google account from an unknown location. It’s actually scary. Well, simply having a strong password is no longer enough. It is a necessity to add 2 step verification for your Google or Gmail account and in today’s guide, we will show you how to enable it.

How to Enable 2-Step Verification in Google or Gmail Account on Desktop

2-Step verification, also known as Two-factor authentication is a simple yet effective way to protect your emails, sensitive documents, and other personal information. It adds extra security by requiring not only your password but also a second form of verification when signing in.

As you enable the feature, it actually can act as a shield and also alert you about any kind of attempt to unauthorized access.

Note: Google prompt is enabled by default if you have an Android device signed in with the same account. So, Google might send you a notification on your Android phone or other verified device to confirm whether it’s you trying to sign in. Make sure you have the device with you.

Method 1: Use Phone Number

You can use your phone number as the second security layer. With this option, every time someone tries to sign in to your Google account, a code will be sent to your registered phone number which they need to enter to sign in successfully.

1. Visit Google’s My Account page on your web browser.
2. Go to the Security tab on the left.
3. Under How you sign in to Google, click on 2-Step Verification.
4. Tap on Yes, it’s me on your Android phone or device on which you receive the prompt.
5. You’ll need to add a second step to your Google Account. Click on Add phone number on the top-right corner.
6. Select your country and enter your phone number.
7. Under How do you want to receive sign-in codes from Google? Choose and click on Next.
8. You’ll receive a 6-digit code on that number. Enter it in the box and click on Verify.
9. Google will show a pop-up on the screen saying You’re now protected with 2-Step Verification. Click on Done to confirm.

Method 2: Use the Authenticator App

Many people do not prefer to use their phone number for 2-step Verification. If so, you can use the Google Authenticator app on your phone. It creates one-time verification codes accessible within the app and you need to enter them to sign-in.

1. Download the Google Authenticator app on your phone.
2. Open it and click on Get Started.
3. Choose your account and continue.
4. On the 2-Step Verification page, scroll down to Second steps and click on Authenticator.
5. Click on Set up authenticator.
6. You’ll get a QR code pop-up on the PC.
7. Open Google Authenticator on your phone and tap the + icon.
8. Tap on Scan a QR code and scan the QR.
9. Once scanned, click on Next in the same pop-up.
10. Enter the 6-digit code shown in the authenticator app and click on Verify.
    That’s it. Google Authenticator will be added to your account.
11. Click on Turn on to enable 2-Step Verification.

Method 3: Use Passkeys or Security Keys

While the above ways should generally be sufficient, if you want more of security, Google provides another option called passkeys. With this, you can use Windows Hello, i.e., your screen lock, fingerprint, or face to sign in to your Google account.

1. On the 2-Step Verification page, click on Passkeys and security keys under Second steps.
2. Click on + Create a passkey and then on Create a passkey on the prompt.
   Note: If you want to select any other device such as an iPad, iPhone, another Android device, or a physical security key, click on Use another device and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Scan your finger to save it if you have a fingerprint scanner on your laptop.
   If not, you can click on More Choices and select the pin option.
4. In the Passkey saved prompt, click on OK to add it successfully.

Download Google Backup Codes

Once 2-step verification is enabled for your Google account, you get the option to download backup codes as well. In case you do not have access to your phone number or the authenticator app, these backup codes can help you sign in.

Note: Make sure you never share the backup codes with anyone and keep them safe.

1. On the 2-Step Verification page, click on Backup codes.
2. Click on Get backup codes.
3. Enter your password and click on Next to verify.
4. Click on Get backup codes again.
   You’ll get a list of backup codes on your screen.
5. Click on Print codes or Download codes as preferred.

How to Enable 2-Step Verification in Google or Gmail Account on Phone

If you have an Android device, follow the steps to turn on 2-Step Verification for your Google account:

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Tap on Google and then on Manage your Google Account.
3. Go to the Security tab and under How you sign in to Google, tap on 2-Step Verification.
   It may ask you to use your passkey, i.e., pin or fingerprint to confirm it’s you.
4. Tap on Continue and confirm the passkey.
5. Tap on Add phone number.
6. Choose the country and enter your phone number.
7. Tap on Next.
8. Enter the 6-digit code you received and tap on Verify.

That’s it. 2-Step Verification will be enabled on your phone. If you want, you can also use other security ways such as the Authenticator app or using Passkeys and security keys.

Also Read: How to Bypass Google Account Verification on Android Phone

We hope our guide helped you enable 2-step Verification for your Google or Gmail account. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, feel free to drop them in the comments box. Stay tuned to TechCult for more informative guides.