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How to enable 2FA for your Google account

Updated June 5, 2026

How to enable 2FA for your Google account

A step-by-step guide on how to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Google account using Authenticator App. With 2FA enabled, signing in requires both your password and a temporary verification code — keeping your account safe even if your password is stolen.

1

Download Authenticator App

First, download the Authenticator ℠ App on your Apple device. Click the button below or scan the QR code with your iPhone camera.

Authenticator ℠ App

Get the Authenticator ℠ App

Scan the QR codes from Google and generate secure one-time codes.

Download on the App StoreDownload on the Mac App StoreGet it on Google Play
2

Open your Google Account settings

Signed in on a computer, click your account icon in the top-right corner and choose Manage your Google Account.

Open your Google Account settings
3

Go to Security and open 2-Step Verification

Select Security in the left menu, then under "How you sign in to Google" click 2-Step Verification.

Go to Security and open 2-Step Verification
4

Get started and confirm your password

Click Get Started, then re-enter your Google password and click Next to verify it's you.

Get started and confirm your password
5

Verify your phone number

If prompted, add a phone number and pick how to receive a code, then enter the 6-digit code Google sends and click Next.

Verify your phone number
6

Turn on 2-Step Verification

Click Turn On to enable 2-Step Verification for your account.

Turn on 2-Step Verification
7

Choose the Authenticator app option

From the list of additional second steps, find Authenticator app and click Set Up.

Choose the Authenticator app option
8

Select your device type

Choose the kind of device you're setting up the authenticator on, then click Next. Google will then display a QR code.

Select your device type
9

Scan the QR code with your Authenticator App

Open the Authenticator App on your iPhone, tap the + button, and scan the QR code Google shows on screen. If you can't scan it, choose to enter the setup key manually instead.

Scan the QR code with your Authenticator App
10

Save the account in your Authenticator App

After scanning, the Authenticator App fills in the Google account name and secret key automatically. Adjust the icon or name if you like, then tap Save.

Save the account in your Authenticator App
11

Enter the 6-digit verification code

Type the 6-digit code from your Authenticator App back into Google and click Verify. The code refreshes every 30 seconds.

Enter the 6-digit verification code
12

Save your backup codes

Generate and download or print your set of 8-digit backup codes, then store them somewhere safe in case you ever lose access to your phone.

13

You're all set

2-Step Verification is now on for your Google account. From now on you'll enter a code from your Authenticator App when you sign in.

You're all set

Backup & recovery

Google lets you generate a set of one-time backup codes (a set of 8-digit codes). Download or print them and keep them somewhere safe; each code works once and can be used to sign in if you lose access to your authenticator app. You can regenerate a new set at any time from your 2-Step Verification settings, which invalidates the old codes.

That's it — your Google account is now protected with two-factor authentication. If you have any issues during setup, visit the official Google help page. Stay safe!

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