How to Add Second Layer Security to your Google Account

Adding a second layer of security to any of your online accounts is a must nowadays. Some online financial accounts like on the online banking uses this feature to secure their clients.

Facebook also has this feature, if you still don’t know how to add security to your Facebook account, you may refer to my previous post “How to Add Security to Facebook account“.

This article will show you how to add another layer of security to your Google account using your phone via text, voice call, or Google authenticator app that can be installed on your smartphone.

How to Add Second Layer Security to your Google Account

Adding a second layer of security to your Google account, also known as 2-Step Verification (2SV) or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), provides an extra layer of protection in case someone obtains your password. Here’s how you can enable it for your Google account:

1. Enable 2-Step Verification

1. Go to Google Account Settings.
2. On the left sidebar, click on Security.
3. Scroll down to the “Signing in to Google” section.
4. Click on 2-Step Verification and then click on Get Started.
5. Follow the prompts to sign in to your account again.
6. Google will guide you through setting up 2-Step Verification.

2. Choose Your Verification Method

Google offers several options for the second layer of security. You can choose any of these methods, depending on what works best for you:

• Google Prompts: Google sends a prompt to your phone for you to approve the sign-in.
• Text Message or Phone Call: You’ll receive a code via SMS or phone call, which you need to enter when signing in.
• Authenticator App: You can use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy to generate time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) for verification.
• Security Key: A physical USB or NFC key that you connect to your device when signing in. Google supports keys like YubiKey for this purpose.
• Backup Codes: Google provides you with a set of backup codes that you can use if you don’t have access to your primary verification method. Store these in a safe place.

3. Set Up Backup Options

• Add Backup Phone Number: If you lose access to your main phone, having a backup phone number ensures you can still verify your account.
• Print Backup Codes: Keep these codes safe for emergencies when you don’t have access to your phone or the authentication app.

4. Review and Manage Trusted Devices

Once you’ve enabled 2-Step Verification, you can choose to trust devices you frequently use, so you don’t need to verify every time you sign in from that device.

5. Turn On 2-Step Verification for Third-Party Apps

Some apps, like email clients, don’t support Google’s 2-Step Verification directly. For such cases, Google provides App Passwords which you can generate in the security settings. These app-specific passwords are used to allow third-party apps to connect to your account without needing your 2FA code.

Additional Tips

• Set Up Recovery Information: Ensure your account recovery options, such as your phone number and recovery email, are up to date.
• Monitor Security Activity: Regularly check your account’s Security Checkup to review connected devices, recent logins, and other security settings.

By enabling 2-Step Verification, you make it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access to your Google account, even if they know your password.

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