Turn on 2-Step Verification

With 2-Step Verification, also called 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

• Your phone

Allow 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.

Once you have enabled the 2-Step Verification you will have multiple options for how to verify a login is you. 

You can use the Google Authenticator app, you can use a Google Prompt, or use text message. We recommend using the Google Authenticator app or a Google Prompt on your mobile device. However, If you do not want to install anything on your device there are backup codes you can print or save and keep in a safe place. See directions below. 

Use backup codes if you have no service or do not want to use your device for 2fa

Create & find a set of backup codes

To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.

1. Go to your Google Account.

2. On the left, click Security.

3. Under "Signing in to Google," click 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.

4. Under "Backup codes," click Continue .

5. From here you can:

   • Get backup codes: To add backup codes, click Get backup codes.

   • Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, click Refresh  .

   • Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, click Delete  .

   • Download your backup codes: Click Download Codes  .

   • Print your backup codes: Click Print  .

Tips:

• If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, click Refresh  .

• When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.

Find your lost backup code

Search your computer for: "backup-codes-username.txt with your username. For example, if your username is google123, search for: Backup-codes-google123.txt. You'll need the codes downloaded to your computer for this to work.

Sign in with a backup code

1. Find your backup codes.

2. Sign in to your Google Account.

3. Click Try another way.

4. Click Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.

5. Enter one of your unused backup codes.

Tip: As each code can be used only once, you might want to mark the code as used.