Turn on 2-Step Verification (2FA) in GMail using Google Authenticator

To setup Google Authenticator on your phone or iPad, you will need to use a phone number initially, but once the Google Authenticator is configured and working, you can remove the phone number that was used in the initial setup.

CAUTION: Only setup Google Authenticator on a device that you have with you all (or most) of the time. You will need it to generate a code if you get logged out of GMail and need to log back in. You will not be able to login without this code.

When logged into your Gmail account, click on your account icon at the top right of the screen.  Then click “Manage your Google Account.”

In the next window, click “Security” in the left side menu. Then click on “2-Step Verification” on the next page.

The next pop-up will detail how the added security of 2FA works. After reading, click “Get Started.”

On the next pop-up, you will need to renter your Google password. When done, click “Next.”

On the next screen, Google asks you to set up your phone. Choose your country, and enter your phone number. You can then opt to receive a verification code via text or phone call. Make your choice and then click “Next.”

You will then receive a code via SMS, enter it into the field on the next screen and click “Next.”

To Setup the Authenticator App, you will first to download and install the App on your phone or iPad. Once it is installed, from your computer go back into Security and click on 2-Step Verification.

Click on the Google Authenticator App

Select the type of device where you have installed the Google Authenticator App. If you installed it on an iPad, select iPhone.

Open the Google Authenticator App and click Begin Setup. Click Scan barcode and hold your device up to your computer screen to scan the QR code.

On your computer, Enter the 6-digit code you see in the App to verify setup.

Once the Google Authenticator is configured and working, you can remove the phone number that was used in the initial setup.