How to enable 2FA for your Google account
Updated August 4, 2026
Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your Google account even if your password leaks. Follow the steps below to generate Google verification codes with the Authenticator App on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
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.
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.
Get started and confirm your password
Click Get Started, then re-enter your Google password and click Next to verify it's you.
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.
Turn on 2-Step Verification
Click Turn On to enable 2-Step Verification for your account.
Choose the Authenticator app option
From the list of additional second steps, find Authenticator app and click Set Up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Backup & recovery
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.
That's it — your Google account is now protected with two-factor authentication. Keep your recovery information safe and follow the service's official documentation if its interface changes.
See all 2FA methods supported by Google →
