Setting up 2 Step

Stronger security for your Google Account

With 2-Step Verification, you’ll protect your account with

both your password and your phone

Why you need it

It's easier than you think for someone to steal your password

Any of these common actions could put you at risk of having your password stolen:

Using the same password on more than one site
Downloading software from the Internet
Clicking on links in email messages

2-Step Verification can help keep bad guys out, even if they have your password.

Imagine losing access to your account and everything in it

When a bad guy steals your password, they could lock you out of your account, and then do some of the following:

Go through – or even delete – all of your emails, contacts, photos, etc.
Pretend to be you and send unwanted or harmful emails to your contacts
Use your account to reset the passwords for your other accounts (banking, shopping, etc.)

How it Works

Signing in to your account will work a little differently

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.

Keep sign-in simple

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.

How it protects you

An extra layer of security

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.

Sign in will require something you know and something you have

With 2-Step Verification, you'll protect your account with something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone or Security Key).

Verification codes made just for you

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.

Join millions of others who have made their accounts stronger with 2-Step Verification

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