How to Set Up Two-Step Verification on Google Account
143In this video I'll show you how to turn on two-step verification for your Google account.
See more videos by Max here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MaxDalton
Timestamp:
Steps to Set Up Two-Step Verification on Google Account: 0:37
Video Transcript:
It's a scary thought to think how much of your personal and sensitive information someone has access to if they hack into your Google account. One way you can prevent this nightmare scenario is to turn on two-step verification. Google's two-step verification will prompt you to review and verify access anytime someone tries to access your Google account on a new device. Google lets you use a phone call, text message, key fob or Google Prompt as your method for two-step verification.
Now let's walk through the steps to enable two-step verification on your Google account.
Step 1. You have two options for getting to the start page for setting up two-step verification on your Google account: you can use either the Google app for iOS or Android, or you can get to it through a web browser. If you're using a web browser, navigate to the URL on the screen. I'll also link to this site in the video description. Alternatively, if you're in the Google app, tap the name of your Google account at the top of the screen and then tap "Manage Your Google Account" in the drop-down menu. Tap "Sign In and Security," and then tap "2-Step Verification" on the next screen. You'll land on the 2-Step Verification overview screen.
Step 2. Tap "Get Started." A screen appears prompting you to enter the password associated with your Google account again. Enter your password, and then tap "Next." The next screen prompts you to enter the phone number you want to use, and then choose whether you want to get your Google two-step verification codes through a text message or phone call to that number. Don't worry. You have other options for getting that code that we'll explore.
Step 3. Because I don't want to get my two-step verification code through either a text message or a phone call, I'm going to tap "Choose Another Option." A drop-down menu appears with options for using either a security key fob or Google Prompt. In this example, I'll choose to receive my two-step verification code through Google Prompt. If you choose Google Prompt, you'll need to make sure that you have the Google app installed on your iPhone, iPad or Android device, and that you're logged in with the Google account you need to verify. Tap "Next" after making your selection. The next screen will have you verify your chosen method for Google two-step verification.
Step 4. Because I chose Google Prompt as my second factor in two-step verification, my screen will show me my devices where I have the Google app installed and have logged in with my Google account. If you don't see any devices, then you don't have the Google app installed on your iPhone, iPad or Android device, and if you do, you aren't logged in to the Google account you're setting up two-step verification for. Tap "Try It Now" when you're ready to test your two-step verification method.
Step 5. An alert will appear on your iPhone, iPad or Android device asking if you're trying to sign in to your Google account on a different device. You'll see the name of your Google account, the device someone is attempting to sign in on, the city they are near, and the time the attempt was made. Tap "Yes" to approve the request. The next screen will prompt you to add a backup option in the form of either a backup phone number or backup security codes you can download and use to get into your Google account from a new device in case you lose or don't have access to other two-step verification devices.
Step 6. Pick your backup method. In this example, I'll choose "Use Another Backup Option," which will take me to a screen where I can download the one-time use security codes myself. It's important that you keep these codes in a very safe place, such as a password keeper app.
Step 7. After choosing your backup method, the next screen will prompt you to turn on two-step verification for your Google account. Tap "Turn On." You'll be returned to your Google Account screen, where you'll see 2-Step Verification is turned on, and the date you enabled it. Going forward, you'll need to verify your identify through your chosen method whenever you try to access your Google account on a new device.