How to Setup Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Gmail?

Two Factor Authentication, or 2FA, is a security measure that helps protect your Gmail account from unauthorized access, phishing emails, and malicious hackers. It is a method for verifying that the device you are login in from is in fact yours and that you are in control of the account. Two-Step Verification adds an extra layer of protection to your Gmail account in case someone gets your password. 

With this security measure, you can only log in to your account once your identity is verified from both the verification methods. There are different methods to verify your identity with 2FA including your password, your phone number, Google Authenticator, and more. This is one of the best ways to protect your account from a data breach or even permanently losing it. 

In this article, we walk you step by step through the process of how to set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Gmail. Read on!

How to Setup Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Gmail on Computer?

You can enable Two-Step Verification for Google account on your computer with these simple steps:

1. Sign-in to the Google Account on Your Browser
2. Click on Manage Your Google Account

3. Click on Security from the Navigation Panel

4. Select 2-Step Verification > Get Started in Signing into Google.

5. Select Your Verification Method. 

In this step, I’ve used my smartphone device and mobile number as a verification method. You can use any other method mentioned on the screen. 

6. Click on Turn On once your device is setup

7. You can now see a message “2-Step Verification is ON” 

You’ve successfully set up 2FA for your Google Account. Now, whenever you log in to your account from any other device, you’ll have to authenticate from the verification method that you have set.

How to Setup Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Gmail on Phone?

You can also set up Two-Factor Authentication for your Google Account from your phone. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Open your Gmail App
2. Select the Account you wish to turn 2FA on
3. Tap Manage Your Google Account
4. Tap on Protect Your Account under Privacy and Personalization

5. Tap on 2-Factor Authentication and add your verification method.

In the above image, I’ve added Sign-in Prompt, Google Authenticator, and Phone number for authentication. You can also add another email to receive a verification code to activate your 2FA. You’ve now successfully added Two-Factor Authentication to your Gmail account. 

To learn how to use Google Authenticator App as your 2FA method, read below!

How to Use Google Authenticator to Setup 2FA?

Google Authenticator is Google’s official verification app available to download for free on App Store and Play Store. Google Authenticator generates random codes every 30 seconds and these codes can be used to verify your identity across any Google login. With Google Authenticator, you can secure your Gmail account in these simple steps:

1. Download the Google Authenticator app from the App Store or Play Store.
2. Go to Security Preferences on your Google account.
3. Choose your Smartphone Device type [iPhone/Android]
4. Click Next
5. From the authenticator app, Scan the QR Code
6. Enter code shown on the authenticator app on your phone
7. Click Verify

You’ve successfully added Google Authenticator as your 2FA verification method. 

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