Turn on 2-Step Verification
With 2-Step Verification, or 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 and a second step
- Your passkey
When you sign in, you may encounter different authentication challenges. The challenge you’ll get is what Google thinks is best to help you sign in easily and keep out hijackers.
Tips:
- By default, when you create a passkey you opt in to a passkey-first, password-less sign in experience.
- If you always want to use your password first, you can change this default preference in your account settings.
Allow 2-Step Verification
- Open your Google Account.
- Tap Security & sign-in.
- Under “How you sign in to Google,” select Turn on 2-Step Verification.
- 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.
Verify it’s you with a second step
Important:
- When you sign in with a passkey, it bypasses your second authentication step, since it verifies that you have possession of your device. Unlike passwords, passkeys only exist on your devices. They can’t be written down or accidentally given to a bad actor.
After you turn on 2-Step Verification, you need to complete a second step to verify it’s you if you choose to sign in with a password. To help protect your account, Google will ask you to complete a specific second step.