Setting Up Google 2-Step Verification

Activate 2-Step Verification

1. Open your Google Account.
2. In the navigation panel, select Security.
3. Under “Signing in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification  Get started.
4. Follow the on-screen steps.
5. Visit Google support information for additional help

Verify it’s you with a second step

After you turn on 2-Step Verification, you’ll need to complete a second step to verify it’s you when you sign in. To help protect your account, Google will request that you complete a specific second step.

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 , 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

Sign in with backup codes

If you lose your phone or otherwise can't get codes by text, call, or Google Authenticator, you can use backup codes to sign in to your Google Account. Store your backup codes somewhere safe.

Important:

• Once you use a backup code to sign in, that code becomes inactive.
• You can get a new set of 10 backup codes whenever you want. When you create a new set of codes, the old set automatically becomes inactive.
• To use backup codes, 2-Step Verification must be on.
• More information on using backup codes

Skip a second step on trusted devices

If you don't want to provide a second verification step each time you sign in on your computer or phone, check the box next to "Don't ask again on this computer.

Important: Only check this box on devices you regularly use and don't share with anyone else.

 

New Passwords must have the following:

•  Require 10 or more characters, and must include at least 1 of each of the following:
• Uppercase letter
• Lowercase letter
• Symbol
• Number
• Passwords should not include dictionary words, names or common phrases