How to Set Up Two Factor Authentication On Gmail? Complete Guide

“How to Set up Two Factor Authentication on Gmail? ” is something that has become essential not just for organizations but also individuals. In this digital age personal data has become supremely important and cyber attackers are behind it. The central hub to all this data is your Gmail Account making it a primary target. Hence to ensure data security Google introduced an extra layer of security namely “Two Factor Authentication (2FA)”.

This blog is a complete guide for “how to set up 2 step verification in Gmail”- both via browser & phone, why you need it and why backing up email data is still important.

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or 2 Step Verification (2SV)?

Before learning how to set up two factor authentication on Gmail, it is important to understand what it is and what it does. 2-Step Verification is like an extra layer of protection that ensures your Gmail account can only be accessed by you or when you allow it. It’s called Setting up Two Factor Authentication in Gmail as usually you need to have 2 Factors while trying to login somewhere. Which can be:

• Something you know: Password or a PIN.
• Something you have: Physical device (PC/ Tablet/ Smartphone)
• Something you are: This refers to biometrics, like your fingerprint or facial scan

Thus if you want to protect your data you need to learn – “how to set up two step verification on my google account”

Different Methods to Set up Two Factor Authentication on Gmail:

• Tap “Yes” on your phone.
• Get a code on your number.
• One-time codes on Google Authenticator App

Note: Though these factors can be enough for security in most cases, Passkeys take security to the next level. Passkey is a password less way to sign in, thus removing the risk of phishing. This is both a combination of your device & biometrics.

Also Read: How to Move Emails from One Gmail Account to Another?

How to Set up Two Factor Authentication on Gmail (Browser Guide)?

To setup 2 step verification in Gmail account via your browser follow the steps below:

1. Launch your Web Browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.)
2. Copy & Paste myaccount.google.com in the browser>> Sign in to the Google account (if asked to else proceed)
3. Go to Security in the left panel
4. Under “How you sign in to Google”>> Go to 2-Step Verification >> Click on that
5. Re-enter your password (Sometimes needed for security reason)
6. Scroll to the bottom, You will be presented with options like Google Prompts, phone no., Set up pass key >> Choose Your Primary Second Step Method
7. Set up Backup Options (This is crucial for the case when you lose access to your Primary Second step )
8. Once done click “TURN ON” to activate 2-Step Verification for your Google Account.

Here you have successfully completed the process.

How to Setup 2 Step Verification Gmail on Android Phone?

For Android users looking to strengthen their email security, here are the steps to follow in order to properly set up two factor authentication on Gmail:

1. On your android device Open Settings
2. Go to Accounts >> Google >> Manage your Google Account
3. Go to Security >> Scroll down to the “How you sign in to Google“
4. Tap on “2-Step Verification ” in order to set up two factor authentication on Gmail.
5. From the options given(google prompts, phone, passkey & authenticator) set up any 2 one as primary and one as secondary second step verification method
6. Click “TURN ON“

How to Set Up 2-Step Verification for Gmail on iPhone

In iPhone to set up two factor authentication on Gmail- can be easy when done via the use of any Google app (like Gmail, YouTube etc.)

Steps are given below:

1. Launch a Google App >> Tap your profile picture
2. Click on “Manage your Google Account”
3. Navigate to Security>>How you sign in to Google >> 2-Step Verification
4. Tap “Get Started”>> Setup your Primary Second Step Method
5. Tap the blue “TURN ON” button

Also Read: Why is My Gmail Storage Full After Deleting Everything?

Why You Need to Set Up Two Factor Authentication on Gmail?

Turning on two factor authentication on two factor authentication on Gmail has its own benefits like:

• You no longer have to worry about password theft; no one can access it without your primary second step.
• In the bigger picture it prevents Identity Theft and Financial Fraud.
• Keeps your email data safe and secure
• Users find it easier to set up two factor authentication on Gmail than enabling antivirus which are restrictive or backing up data which can be complicated at times.

Why to Safeguard Gmail Information, Even With 2FA Enabled?

Despite all these benefits, this is a not a foolproof way to secure your Gmail account information. This method of 2 Factor Authentication comes with certain challenges too, which is why there you still need to safeguard specially if you are an organizations where data is of paramount importance.

Here’s why:

• In the scenarios where you lose access to your primary and secondary you can’t log in into your own account.
• 2 Step Verification will not be useful in the case of accidental or malicious deletion.
• Due to the set up two factor authentication on Gmail there are frequent logouts.
• No protection against Internal malicious attacks.
• Does not offer long term archiving

Also Read: How to Download Old Emails from Gmail in Bulk?

Bonus Tip : Complete Your Security With a Professional Tool

As we have disused though setting up Two Factor Authentication has its benefits it doesn’t fully safeguard your data byt sill it is not enough. As a preventive measure you can create a duplicate repository in hard drive or in another account to shield against hackers, phishers and virus attack.

The best way to do so is using an Email Backup Tool. It is a reliable software used at both organizational level and for individual needs. This tool gives you peace of mind by safekeeping your data. It works for both mac and windows so as you can quickly and efficiently migrate with full accuracy all while preserving for data structure. Making it a crucial step even after set up two factor authentication on Gmail,

Key Benefits of Using Recommended Professional Tool

• Allows user to create a copy of Gmail emails in bulk within a  few easy steps.
• Multiple universally supported formats are available like PST, EML, MBOX, PDF etc.
• Allows you to smoothly migrate data to another Gmail account securely if one account is at risk
• Preserves data structure so as you can easily locate files.

Works with both mac and windows both new and old versions All these benefits makes it the way to set up two step verification on my google account.

Conclusion

We hope now you know “How to Set up two factor authentication on Gmail on phone and on browser” and now even if someone stole your password they will not be able to access your account. Google itself is highly promoting this feature in order to ensure the security of the users while browsing over the internet. Yet we suggest safeguarding your email data for offline access and long term archiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if I lose my phone with 2 Factor Authentication on?

Account recovery is difficult if you don’t have access to backup code. Thus if you have set up two factor authentication on Gmail you need to make sure you have chosen at least 2 options to backup.

Q2: How can I disable 2-Step Verification in Gmail?

Go to Google Account settings >> Sign In >> 2-Step Verification. Click “Turn Off“.

Q3: What is the use of Google Authenticator when set up two factor authentication on Gmail?

Google Authenticator generates code valid for limited amount of time, that can be even accessed offline. It acts as the 2nd Step of 2 Step Verification in Gmail after password.

Q4: How to set up 2 step verification in Gmail on android phone? 

Go to settings >> Accounts >> Google >> Manage your google account. Under “Security” you will find 2 Step Verification . Setup primary and secondary 2nd step . Click “Turn On“.