Today, the prospect of losing access to your Gmail account sounds far more devastating than even losing your wallet. Fortunately, numerous security features are at our disposal to protect our digital assets. Show
Turning on 2FA for your Google account will help protect it from uninvited guests. Here’s how to toggle this setting so you’ll always be the only one who can access your Gmail. Two-step verification, or two-factor authentication (2FA), is an extra security layer you can add to your accounts. Once enabled, the login process will involve two steps (or two factors). The first step involves something you know (your login info), while the second step requires you to verify your identity using something you have (your phone). You’ll be the only one who can access your account since you’re the only one possessing both of these factors. Although highly recommended, 2FA is not mandatory in Gmail. You can enable or disable it by following the instructions below. How to Turn 2FA On or Off in Gmail on a PCTo turn 2FA on or off for your Gmail, you’ll need to tweak the settings of your Google Account. You can access these settings by heading straight to your Google Account or from Gmail in the following way:
Once you’re on your Account page, follow these steps:
If 2FA is already enabled, you can turn it off altogether in the following way:
How to Turn 2FA On or Off in Gmail on an iPhoneYou can also tweak your Google settings using your mobile device. Follow the instructions below to enable or disable 2FA in Gmail on your iPhone.
How to Turn 2FA On or Off in Gmail on an Android DeviceYou’ll need to access your Google account to tweak your 2FA settings. You can find your account settings on an Android device in several ways:
In your Google account settings, find 2FA by following these steps:
How to Turn 2FA On or Off in Gmail on an iPadYou can change your 2FA settings for Gmail by accessing your Google account. Follow these steps on your iPad to turn on 2FA:
You can also disable 2FA on this page using the “Turn Off” button. Types of 2FA Available on GmailWhen setting up 2FA for your Gmail, you’ll find that you have several options. While SMS codes are perhaps the most well-known example of this security feature, there are many other ways to verify your identity. The following types of 2FA are available on Gmail:
FAQsWhy can’t I enable 2FA for my Gmail account?If your Google account is connected to your school or workplace, you might not have the authority to add 2FA to your Gmail. In that case, you’ll need to contact the administrator of the account to make changes to it. This could be an institution’s IT department, your email or website manager, or someone similar. Can I turn 2FA off for select devices?2FA is an important security feature, but it may not be necessary in all cases. If you want to skip the authentication process on your personal computer, you can add it to your trusted devices. To add a trusted device, click “Don’t ask again on this computer” after the first time you enter your 2FA code. You can also revoke this permission in the following way: 1. Go to your Google account settings and select “Security.” 2. Pick “2-Step Verification.” 3. Scroll all the way down to “Devices that don’t need a second step.” 4. Click “Revoke all” under “Devices you trust.” Why can’t I sign in using my Google Authenticator app?Google Authenticator codes are time-sensitive. If your codes don’t seem to be working, there might be a time syncing issue. Correct this error in the following way: 1. Open your Google Authenticator iOS or Android app. 2. Tap the three-dot menu and select “Settings.” 3. Press “Time correction for codes” and then hit “Sync now.” Your codes should work after syncing the time this way. Better Luck Next Time, HackersIt’s highly recommended that you enable 2FA to keep your Gmail and Google Accounts safe. Choose any method you find convenient and eliminate the possibility that an unauthorized person will hijack your account. If you find 2FA a hassle on trusted devices, you can also create an exception for them. How do you keep your Gmail account safe? Which of the 2FA methods described above is your go-to? Let us know in the comments section below. Does Gmail have 2 factor authentication?When you sign in, 2-Step verification helps make sure your personal information stays private, safe and secure. In addition to your password, 2-Step verification adds a quick second step to verify that it's you.
How do I bypass 2If you've lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it's you with:. Another phone signed in to your Google Account.. Another phone number you've added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.. A backup code you previously saved.. |