How to turn on two-step verification for your Google account on Android
Two-step verification means an attacker cannot access your Google account with just your password. It is the single most effective security step you can take.
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Before you start
You will need your Google account password and your Android phone.
Steps
Open the Settings app on your phone.
Tap Google, then tap your name or email address at the top.
Tap Manage your Google Account.
Tap the Security tab at the top.
Under "How you sign in to Google", tap 2-Step Verification.
You may need to scroll down slightly to find it.
Tap Get started and sign in with your Google password if prompted.
Follow the on-screen steps to choose your second step. Google Prompt (a tap-to-confirm notification) is the easiest option to start with.
Tap Turn On to confirm.
How to confirm it worked
- The 2-Step Verification setting shows as "On" in the Security tab.
- The next time you sign in to your Google account on a new device, you will be prompted for a second verification step.
Troubleshooting
- I cannot find the 2-Step Verification option.
- Make sure you are in the Google account Security tab, not the phone's main Security settings. Try opening myaccount.google.com in Chrome instead.
- The process asks for a phone number but I do not want to use one.
- You can skip phone number and use Google Prompt (notification) or a hardware key. Follow our guide on setting up an authenticator app for the most secure option.
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