Google 2-Step Verification (Multi-Factor Authentication) - Retiring SMS-based codes

Google has announced plans to phase out, in the coming months, SMS-based codes (text messages), the 6 digit numbers sent via text message, for multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security. In place of SMS codes, users will be prompted to scan a QR code with their smartphone's camera when logging in. Users will see a QR code displayed during the verification process instead of receiving a text message.

Scanning QR Codes

iPhone

iPhones with iOS 11 and above have an in-built QR Code scanner, the scanner uses the camera app to detect the QR code. To enable Scan QR codes, Go to Settings > Camera and turn on the Scan QR Codes switch.

Scan the QR code:

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the built-in Camera app.
  2. Tap a yellow bubble at the bottom that triggers an appropriate action like visiting a website or joining a Wi-Fi network, or authenticating.

If your device can’t run iOS 11 or higher, either download a third-party QR Code scanning app to scan QR Codes or scan through Google Lens.

Android Phone

Most Android phones version 10 and above have a built-in QR code scanner that uses the camera app. To enable QR Code scan: 

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Display.
  3. Tap on Lock screen.
  4. Tap on Shortcuts.
  5. Tap on the + icon.
  6. Select Scan QR code.

Scan the QR code:

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the built-in camera app.
  2. Tap the banner that appears on your Android phone or tablet.

                  

     For users with Android 9 and lesser, either download a third-party QR Code scanning app to scan QR Codes or scan through Google Lens.

Google Lens

On some Android phones, you can use Google Lens from Google Photos,Google Assistant, and the Google app. 

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app Photos.
  2. Select a photo.
  3. Tap Lens .

On iPhones, you can use Google Lens with Google Photos or the Google app, but not with your camera or Google Assistant.

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app Photos.
  2. Select a photo.
  3. Tap Lens.

Other Google 2-Step Verification (MFA) Methods

If you would like to change your MFA settings,the following is a list of options.

  • Google Authenticator app, the Google Authenticator app can generate one-time verification codes for sites and apps that support Authenticator app 2-Step Verification. Installation instructions can be found for downloading the Authenticator app on either an iPhone or Android phone at Get verification codes with Google Authenticator .
  • Google Prompt uses a notification instead of text message (SMS) verification codes and is recommended by Google as an alternative to SMS (text message). To set up Google prompts on either an iPhone or Android phone follow the link Sign in with Google prompts .
  • Passkey is an alternative to passwords. For information on setting up Passkey follow the link Sign in with a passkey instead of a password .
     
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