You have an existing Gmail account or just signed up for a new one, and then decided to enable “2-Step Verification” Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), by using the Google Authenticator app only to realise the option isn’t available at all. By the way, Google refers to this on Gmail as “2-Step Verification”
Quite suprising ! We have come accross this “issue” and also been asked on too many ocassions.
The Issue
There really is no issue at all. The Google Authenticator app Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) option is available in Gmail, but you’ll need to add a phone number to your account as the default “2-Step Verification” method first, in order for other verification options including the Google Authenticator app to become available for the setup.
Phone number verification through SMS or Voice Call is the default “2-Step Verification” option, and allows Google to send an SMS or Voice Call for verification when necessary.
This is the only and default option you will see after setting up your new Gmail account.
How To Enable Google Authenticator App As a “2-Step Verification” Option In Gmail
Sign in to your Gmail account, go to your account settings and then select “Security” from the list of settings.
On the “Sign in to Google” section, you should now see two options. Click on the “2-Step Verification” option.
Step 1
Select or add the phone number you would like to use and a method to receive verification codes by. Use the SMS option.
Step 2
Click “Next” and Google will now send a verification code through SMS to the listed phone number. Enter that code into the verification box, click “Next” and verification should be confirmed on the next screen.
You can have the verification code resent to you by clicking the “Resend” button, in case you did not receive it fisrt time.
Step 3
If the code is is correct, you should now see a confirmation message “It worked!Turn on “2-Step Verification” and an option to Turn On “2-Step Verification”
Result
You should now see the option to set up additional backup steps to sign in. This should read “Set up additional steps so that you can sign in even if your other options aren’t available”
Google Authenticator “Authenticator app” should appear on the list as an option. Click “SET UP”, follow the instructions to complete your Authenticator app as a “2-Step Verification” Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) option.
Conclusion
Setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or “2-Step Verification” as Google refer to it, on a Gmail account can be slightly difficult but hopefully this quick guide has cleared any confusion.
Questions People Ask
What is Two-Factor Authentication ?
Two-factor authentication, also referred to as 2FA, 2-step verification or two-step authentication is a security measure that adds a second layer of protection in addition to your default methods of login, usually a passowrd. Enabling two-factor authentication makes it difficult for an attacker to access unathorised resources like emails and online accounts.
Two-factor authentication security has been so successful, it is fast becoming a basic requirement on most online accounts.
Which Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) app should I use ?
There are many two-factor authentication apps available out there, but the best we have seens so far are Google Authenticator App, LastPass Authenticator App and the Microsoft Authenticator App. All these apps are secure, free, available on Android and Apple iOS, very easy to use and owned by reputable brands.
Why should I Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) ?
Even the most complex passwords can be cracked in this modern era. There are weak passwords, countless unreported data breaches, spyware, and phishing scams around that can easily expose your password to a hacker. Two-factor authentication prevents a hacker with correct password from being able to login to your account.
