With 2-Step Verification, you’ll protect your account with both your password and your phone
Any of these common actions could put you at risk of having your password stolen:
2-Step Verification can help keep bad guys out, even if they have your password.
When a bad guy steals your password, they could lock you out of your account, and then do some of the following:
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.
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).
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.
Ready to set up 2-Step Verification for your account? We recommend doing so from your laptop or desktop computer for the best enrollment experience.
2-Step
Verification