Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification (2024)

Lost or stolen phone

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You have several ways you can get back into your account, depending on your circ*mstances. Use backup options

If you've lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it’s you with:

  • Another phone signed in to your Google Account.
  • Another phone number you’ve added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.
  • A backup code you previously saved.
  • A security key you’ve added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.

Sign in from a trusted device

If you previously signed in from a device and checked the box next to “Don’t ask again on this computer,” you might be able to sign in from that device without a second verification step. After you sign in to your Google Account, you can manage your verification methods.

Get a new phone from your carrier

If you lose your phone, you can ask your carrier to transfer your phone number to a new phone or SIM card.

Recover your account

If you can’t sign in, follow the steps to recover your account. If you're having trouble, try the tips to complete account recovery steps.

My security key was lost or stolen

Choose the right steps to get back into your account, based on if you set up another second step, like:

  • Verification codes
  • Google prompts
  • Backup codes
  • A backup security key you’ve added to your account
  • A registered computer where you chose not to be asked for a verification code

Important: If you added Advanced Protection to your account, you can only use a backup security key. If you don’t have a backup security key, follow the steps to recover your account.

If you have another second step

  1. Sign in to your Google Account with your password and your other second step.
  2. Follow the steps to remove the lost key from your account.
  3. Get a new security key. You may want to get an extra key you can keep in a safe place.
  4. Add the new key to your account.

If you don’t have another second step or forgot your password

Important: 2-Step Verification requires an extra step to prove you own an account. Because of this added security, it can take 3-5 business days for Google to make sure it’s you.

Follow the steps to recover your account. You'll be asked questions to confirm you own the account.

Use these tips to answer as best you can.

You may be asked:

  1. To enter an email address or phone number where you can be reached.
  2. To enter a code sent to your email address or phone number. This code helps make sure you can access that email address or phone number.

Require a security key as your second step

If you turn on 2-Step Verification and sign in on an eligible phone, you can get Google prompts. To make a security key your required second step, enroll in Advanced Protection.

Revoke lost backup codes

If you lost your backup codes, you can revoke them and get new ones.

  1. Go to the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.
  2. Select Show codes.
  3. Select Get new codes.

You didn't get a verification code

  • You might have been sent a Google prompt instead. Learn why we recommend Google prompts instead of text message (SMS) verification codes.
  • If we notice something different about how you sign in, like your location, you might not be able to get a verification code through text message.
  • If a text message with a verification code was sent to your phone, make sure your service plan and mobile device supports text message delivery.
    • Delivery speed and availability may vary by location and service provider.
  • Make sure you have adequate internet connection when you try to get your codes.
  • If you get a voice call with a verification code sent to your phone, you get a voicemail if:
    • You can’t answer the call.
    • You don’t have an adequate internet connection.

Tip: If you requested multiple verification codes, only the newest one works.

My Google Authenticator codes don’t work

It may be because the time isn’t correctly synced on your Google Authenticator app.

To set the correct time:

  1. On your Android device, go to the main menu of the Google Authenticator app.

  2. Tap More Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification (1) Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification (2) Settings Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification (3) Time correction for codes Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification (4) Sync now.

On the next screen, the app confirms the time has been synced. You should be able to sign in. The sync will only affect the internal time of your Google Authenticator app, and will not change your device’s Date & Time settings.

An app doesn’t work after you turn on 2-Step Verification

When you turn on 2-Step Verification, you may need to sign in to some apps again.

Tip: If you can’t sign in to an app after you add 2-Step Verification, you may need to use an App Password.

Why you shouldn’t use Google Voice to get verification codes

If you use Google Voice to get verification codes, you could lock yourself out of your account.

For example, if you sign out of your Google Voice app, you might need a verification code to get back in. But, because it’s sent to your Google Voice, you can’t get the code.

Work, school, or other organization accounts

If you use an account through your work, school, or other group that’s protected by 2-Step Verification, and you can’t sign in, you can:

You can’t use a second step to sign in

Use a device you marked as trusted and go to account recovery.

I can’t sign in to my backup phone with text messages

This can happen when there’s something different about how you sign in, like your location. You may need to move to your main phone, or another trusted device, to sign in to your backup phone.

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Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification (2024)

FAQs

Why my 2 factor authentication is not working? ›

The most common cause for newly generated codes to be rejected is that the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly meaning that it cannot correctly generate a working code. In these situations, Google has advised ensuring that your time and date are being set automatically by your device.

How do I bypass 2 step verification? ›

Allow 2-Step Verification
  1. Open your Google Account.
  2. In the navigation panel, select Security.
  3. Under “Signing in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification. Get started.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps.

How can I recover my Gmail account without 2 step verification? ›

How do I get into my Google account when 2 step verification is a lost option? contact the customer support, they will disable your 2–step verification so that you can log back in. How do I get into my Gmail account without the password, recovery phone number and verification code working?

How do I fix my authenticator problem? ›

Simply rebooting your mobile device may resolve the problem, or disabling Google Authenticator for your account and then re-enabling it may also help.

How do I unblock my verification code? ›

Steps for Android Users
  1. On the Home Screen, select the Phone icon.
  2. Tap Menu (this is the 3 vertical dots on the upper right hand of your screen)
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select Block Numbers. ...
  5. Select the number that you wish to unblock by tapping the minus (-) sign beside it.

What causes broken authentication? ›

Broken authentication is typically caused by poorly implemented authentication and session management functions. Broken authentication attacks aim to take over one or more accounts giving the attacker the same privileges as the attacked user.

What if you lose your phone with two-factor authentication? ›

If you've lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it's you with: Another phone signed in to your Google Account. Another phone number you've added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account. A backup code you previously saved.

How do I verify my Google account without my old phone? ›

Using 2-Step Authentication Without Your Phone
  1. Go to the sign-in page and attempt to log in.
  2. Click Try another way to sign in or tap More options.
  3. Click or tap Get a verification code.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in using the code sent to the backup phone.

How do I turn off 2-step verification for Gmail without phone? ›

How to Turn Off Gmail 2-Step Verification (Desktop)
  1. If you're using a computer, you'll first need to open the page for your Google Account.
  2. Head to the Security section, then select 2-Step Verification. Here, you may be prompted to sign into your account.
  3. Select Turn off, and you'll be prompted to verify your choice.

How do I find my 8 digit backup code? ›

Create & find a set of backup codes
  1. Go to your Google Account.
  2. On the left, click Security.
  3. Under "Signing in to Google," click 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
  4. Under "Backup codes," click Continue .
  5. From here you can: Get backup codes: To add backup codes, click Get backup codes.

How can I recover my Gmail account immediately? ›

Recover your account

Go to the account recovery page. Answer the questions to the best of your ability. Tip: There's no limit to the number of times you can attempt to recover your account. To recover your Google Account or Gmail, follow the steps on the account recovery page.

Can you reset Authenticator? ›

Once logged in as the user, click Settings > Security > User Manager and click the user account that you are currently logged in as. Click the Multi-Factor Authentication tab, then select one of these options: Generate a new QR code: Click the Reset button for the Google Authenticator app.

How do I resync my Authenticator? ›

Resync Time on 2FA Google Authenticator
  1. Go to the main menu on the Google Authenticator app.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Time correction for codes.
  4. Select Sync now.

How do I get the 6 digit code from Authenticator app? ›

To receive a one-time-passcode on your cellphone via text message, click Send Code Check your cellphone. You should have received a text message like the image below with a 6-digit verification code: Enter the 6-digit code received via text message on the Extranet login site Click Verify Code.

Why is my phone not accepting verification codes? ›

5 Reasons For Phone Not Getting Verification Code Texts

Your phone number or email address provided may be incorrect. Carrier or email service provided may have blocked such messages. The verification messages are blocked by your phone. The poor network connection can also be a reason.

How do I fix verify my phone number? ›

Fix problems verifying your phone number
  1. Make sure that you're using an Indian phone number. ...
  2. Check for mistakes in your phone number. ...
  3. Make sure that your phone number is active and has balance. ...
  4. Make sure that you're online. ...
  5. Test your connection. ...
  6. Ask for a new verification code. ...
  7. Restart Google Pay or your device.

What happens if someone gets my verification code? ›

Fraudsters will sign their targets up for Google Voice to access their verification code and hijack the account and personal information. If a scammer gets your Google Voice verification code they can potentially commit other crimes concealing their identity while linked to your personal data.

Can a hacker break two-factor authentication? ›

A new study says that 2FAs are not safe and are being hacked with no intervention from the user. The attack is known as "Man-in-the-Middle". Two-factor authentication is considered the most effective security method, but a new study says it may not be as safe as it seems.

Can hackers turn off two-factor authentication? ›

Some platforms enable users to generate tokens in advance, sometimes providing a document with a certain number of codes that can be used in the future to bypass 2FA should the service fail. If an attacker obtains the user password and gains access to that document, they can bypass 2FA.

Can I recover two-factor authentication? ›

If you lose access to your two-factor authentication credentials, you can use your recovery codes, or another recovery option, to regain access to your account.

How do I get my authenticator on my new phone without my old phone? ›

If you've deleted the Google Authenticator app on your old phone without first moving the accounts to the new phone, you have two options. Retrieve via backup codes you were given when you created your google authenticator account or you'll have to add each of your accounts manually to your new phone.

Is there another way to verify Google account? ›

To prove it's you, have a device or security key available that's been registered to your account for at least 7 days. You can use: A device associated with the recovery phone number for your account. A device that's signed in to your Google Account.

Why is Gmail forcing 2 step verification? ›

Google lauds these results as a demonstration of the effectiveness of 2FA for securing people's data and personal information. That said, the company states that it is working on further efforts to increase account security.

Is 2 step verification mandatory Google? ›

Can I turn 2-Step Verification off? Currently, you can turn off 2-Step Verification after it's turned on automatically, but signing in with just a password makes your account much less secure. Soon, 2-Step Verification will be required for most Google Accounts.

Why is Google 2 step verification mandatory? ›

Using two-step verification goes hand-in-hand with general security hygiene. Multi-factor authentication is offered as baseline security advice for everything from ransomware to nation-state attacks.

How do I restore my backup number? ›

Restore contacts from backups
  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Google.
  3. Tap Set up & restore.
  4. Tap Restore contacts.
  5. If you have multiple Google Accounts, to choose which account's contacts to restore, tap From account.
  6. Tap the phone with the contacts to copy.

How to bypass Gmail login verification? ›

Turn off 2-Step Verification
  1. Open your Google Account.
  2. In the "Security" section, select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
  3. Select Turn off.
  4. A pop-up window will appear to confirm that you want to turn off 2-Step Verification. Select Turn off.

Can you get new backup codes? ›

You can get a new set of 10 backup codes whenever you want. When you create a new set of codes, the old set automatically becomes inactive. To use backup codes, 2-Step Verification must be on.

Does Google have a customer service email? ›

In your mail addressed to support-in@google.com you must provide the name of the Google product in question, describe the issue in detail, and any supporting document including screenshots that would assist with the resolution of your concern.

Is there a Google support phone number? ›

What Is Google's Customer Support Number? You can give 24 hour Google customer support a call at 1-866-246-6453.

How can I open a Gmail account without phone number and recovery email? ›

How to Recover Gmail Password without Phone Number and Recovery Email?
  1. Go to Google Recovery Account.
  2. Enter Your Email.
  3. Select 'Try another way to sign in'
  4. Click on 'Try another way'
  5. Click on 'Try another way' Again.
  6. Wait for Next 48 Hours.
  7. Check Your Email for the Recovery Link.
Sep 28, 2022

How do I contact a real person at Google? ›

Hi, how can we help?
  1. Google HQ. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. (650) 253-0000. See all locations.
  2. Careers at Google. Learn more about our teams and job openings. Explore jobs.
  3. Press. If you are a member of the press, email us at press@google.com. Visit our blog.

Can I talk to someone at Gmail? ›

There is currently no way to contact Gmail by phone or live chat for password or account recovery or other concerns unless you have Google One. Create a new post in the Community forums by going to the new thread page and filling in the forms.

What happens if you accidentally delete an Authenticator app? ›

If you accidentally uninstall the Authenticator app from your smartphone you will need to re-install it and then run through the setup below. One you have scanned the QR code continue with the setup on the laptop.

What happens if I delete my Authenticator app? ›

Delete a 2FA account token on Android

Tap and hold the desired authenticator account, and then select Remove. A notification window will be displayed advising your account will be deleted in 48 hours.

How do I reset my two factor Authenticator? ›

Self-service to reset two-factor authentication

Enter your email address and password. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will receive an email with a reset code. When you get the code, click the next arrow.

Why is my 6 digit authentication code not working? ›

First, check to see that your phone time matches the time on your computer. The authenticator is time-stamped, so if the two do not match it will not work. If you're using an Android, your phone may have gotten out of sync.

Where is the secret key for the Authenticator app? ›

While setting up an authenticator app for 2FA you can view the setup key which we automatically generate as a QR code, but which can also be read in plain text by clicking on View setup key. It is sometimes also referred to as a "backup code" or "secret seed code".

What is secret key in authenticator? ›

The secret key is like a secondary password shared between the authenticator app on your device and your Knowledge Hub account. If you have multiple devices, they must all share the same secret key. If you feel that the secret key has been compromised, you should regenerate and save a new secret key.

Why is two-factor authentication not on my Iphone? ›

If your Apple ID account isn't already using two-factor authentication, go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication, then tap Continue.

How do I force 2 factor authentication? ›

Next to the organization, click Settings. In the "Security" section of the sidebar, click Authentication security. Under "Authentication", select Require two-factor authentication for everyone in your organization, then click Save.

How do I fix authentication problem on my Iphone? ›

Sign in to your Apple ID account page. Under the Security section, tap/click Edit. Ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled.
...
If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier:
  1. Go to Settings > iCloud.
  2. Tap your Apple ID > Password & Security.
  3. Tap Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
  4. Tap Continue.
Nov 22, 2022

Can two-factor authentication be turned off Apple? ›

If you're already using two-factor authentication with your Apple ID, you can't turn it off. If you updated to two-factor authentication inadvertently, you can turn it off within two weeks of enrollment. If you do, your account is less secure and you can't use features that require a higher level of security.

Why is my Iphone not getting verification codes? ›

5 Reasons For Phone Not Getting Verification Code Texts

Your phone number or email address provided may be incorrect. Carrier or email service provided may have blocked such messages. The verification messages are blocked by your phone. The poor network connection can also be a reason.

Can two factor be bypassed? ›

If the 2FA consists of a regular one-time password authentication code delivered through SMS, hardware or software token then the victim will enter it as usual. However even modern security features such as a push notification to a mobile device or scanning of a QR code on the screen will be bypassed by this attack.

What if I lost the device I used to set up two-factor authentication? ›

If you didn't save your backup codes, and you've lost the phone that you use for 2-factor authentication – try calling your phone network to transfer your old number over to a new phone. You'll need a new SIM card for that, and it could take a day or two for it to activate.

What are the 3 ways of 2 factor authentication? ›

Three Main Types of MFA Authentication Methods
  1. Things you know (knowledge), such as a password or PIN.
  2. Things you have (possession), such as a badge or smartphone.
  3. Things you are (inherence), such as a biometric like fingerprints or voice recognition.

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