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Chrome App for Android Now Acts as 2-Step Verification

This new feature adds another layer of security

By Cesar Cadenas Cesar Cadenas Writer California State University - Long Beach Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 2, 2021 02:15PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Google is expanding its security capabilities by allowing the Chrome app on Android to function as a 2-Step Verification (2SV) method when someone signs into a new device. After trying to sign in on a new device, users will receive a prompt on their phone asking them if they are trying to sign in. The Google Prompt message opens a full-screen page asking, "Are you trying to sign in?" with "Yes" and "No, it’s not me" options at the bottom of the display. Then a subsequent message appears that reads, "Someone is trying to sign in to your account from a nearby device." Users will have to confirm on their phone that this is indeed them signing into another device. Finally, a "Connecting to your device" message appears with a rotating animation akin to usual phone security measures. The new feature utilizes caBLE (cloud-enabled Bluetooth Low Energy) for its security checks. Bluetooth Low Energy refers to a device using Bluetooth technology on a low-frequency band to communicate with other devices. The tech is notable for its short connection times, but high data rates. This communication is enabled via the Google Cloud. The new 2SV requires users to sign in to the same account and have Chrome Sync enabled. Google provides a series of instructions on how to activate Chrome Sync on its website. Currently, this new verification feature is only available on Chrome 93 Beta for Android and Chrome 92 on Macs. It is not widely available for all users yet. This is the latest in Google’s increasing adoption of 2-factor verification methods. Previously, the company rolled out USB-C Titan Security Keys for physical security, and implemented a similar technology in earlier devices. 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 Sync Chrome Bookmarks How to Save Passwords in Chrome for iOS How to Run a Google Security Checkup How to Bookmark All Tabs in Chrome on Android How to Use Two Step Verification (2FA) in WhatsApp Protect an Outlook.com Account with 2-Step Verification How to Stop Someone From Accessing Your Phone Remotely How to Connect Google Home to Wi-Fi How to Set Up a New Android From an Old Phone Remotely Reset Android Lock Screen Password and PIN How to Secure Your Gmail With Two-Step Authentication How to Transfer Apps From Android to Android How to Switch From iPhone to Android How to Print to PDF What Is the Google Chrome Browser? How to Disable Chrome Sync on Your Devices 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