To enable Google account 2-Step Verification
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
- Open your Google Account.
- In the navigation panel, select Security.
- Under “Signing in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification > Get Started.
- 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
After you turn on 2-Step Verification, you must complete a second step to verify it’s you when you sign in. To help protect your account, Google will ask that you complete a specific second step.
Reference: Google Knowledgebase
To disable Google account 2-Step Verification
- Open your Google Account.
- In the "Security" section, select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
- Select Turn off.
- A pop-up window will appear to confirm that you want to turn off 2-Step Verification. Select Turn off.
Destroy all the backup codes that you've saved for signing in to this account.
Revoking app passwords you no longer use
If you used app passwords to let apps access your Google Account, you may see errors when you turn off 2-Step verification. If this happens, re-enter your Google Account password.
We recommend you revoke your app passwords:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- In the "Security" section, select Signing in to Google.
- Choose App passwords. You might need to sign in.
- Next to an application or device, select Remove.
The next time you sign in to the app or device, you'll be asked to enter your Google Account username and password. If an app doesn't ask right away, it might take longer to recognize that its app password has been revoked.
Reference: Google Knowledgebase
