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How to Secure Your Gmail Account With Two-Step Verification

Another layer of security ensures that only you can read your messages

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 27, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Gmail Yahoo! Mail

What to Know

Sign in to your Gmail account and select your profile picture. Choose Manage Your Google Account or Google Account.Select Security in the left pane. Choose 2-Step Verification > Get Started. Enter your password and choose Next.Enter your mobile device number and select Text. Enter the confirmation code Google texts to you. Select Turn On. This article explains how to secure your Gmail by activating two-factor authentication (2FA), which Google refers to as 2-Step Verification. It also includes instructions for how to turn off 2FA.

Activate 2-Step Verification in Gmail

Two-factor authentication (2FA) refers to two steps you must take to get into an online account after you enter your user name. Gmail's 2FA is called 2-Step Verification. The primary method used for 2-Step Verification is a Google prompt. When you sign in to Gmail, you enter your username and password. Then Google sends a prompt to your mobile device. You must respond to the prompt before you're allowed access to Gmail. When you use 2-Step Verification in Gmail, you give yourself an additional layer of protection from hackers. This is true even if your password is strong and you have malware protection in place. To use 2-Step Verification in Gmail, you must first activate it. To do so, follow the steps below. Sign in to your Gmail account and select your profile picture or icon. Select Manage Your Google Account (or Google Account). A new tab with your Google account information opens. In the left pane, select Security. Under Signing in to Google, select 2-Step Verification. The next screen explains 2-Step Verification. Select Get Started. Enter your password and select Next. Enter your mobile device's number, select Text, then select Next. Google will send your a confirmation code on your mobile device. Enter the code and select Next. Google will verify your mobile device. Select Turn On to turn on two-factor authentication. Now you'll be prompted to use your second step each time you log on to Gmail. Even if you activate 2-Step Verification, your Gmail account can still be hacked. If you need greater security for your email correspondence, there are a number of secure email options available to try. Just remember that no email application is completely secure.

Disable 2-Step Verification in Gmail

Tired of the second step? Here's how to disable it. Follow steps 1-4 above. If prompted, enter your Gmail password and select Next. Respond to whichever method of 2-Step Verification you have activated. At the top of the screen, select Turn Off. Google shows a warning message asking you to confirm that you really want to disable 2-Step Verification. If you're sure, select Turn Off. Google takes a moment to process the change and restore your security settings. Afterward, your settings return to the way they were before you enabled 2-Step Verification. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Turn on Gmail Two-Factor Authentication How to Turn on Google Two Factor Authentication How to Run a Google Security Checkup How to Fix It When You're Locked Out of Your Gmail Account How to Stop Someone From Accessing Your Phone Remotely How to Use Two Step Verification (2FA) in WhatsApp How to Turn on Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password How to Sync Google, Outlook, and iPhone Calendars How to Create App-Specific Passwords in Gmail How to Access Yahoo Mail With Outlook How to Access Gmail with Outlook Using IMAP How to Find Out Who (or What) Is Accessing Your Gmail 10 Popular Accounts That Should Have Two-Factor Authentication Enabled How to Access Free Windows Mail in Gmail How to Add A Picture To Your Gmail Profile Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies