Google 2-Step Verification FAQ

Overview

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding Google's 2-Step Verification.

Why am I being asked to set up 2-Step Verification?

You should set up 2-step verification because doing so makes it difficult for anyone to take over your Google account remotely. Without setting up 2-step verification, hackers could get into your account if they figured out your password. With 2-step verification enabled, they would need the password and physical control of your phone, mobile device or your actual computer. 

How do I turn on 2-Step Verification?

When you enable 2-Step Verification (aka two-factor/multi-factor authentication), you add an extra layer of security to your account. You sign in with something you know (your password) and something you have (like a code sent to your phone).

To set up 2-Step Verification, please visit this KB Article for help on how to get started or visit the  2-Step Verification page.

What if I don’t want to use my personal phone?

You will need a phone to set up 2-Step Verification at first, but you can then immediately change your second step. Here are some alternatives:

Sign in faster with 2-Step Verification phone prompts

Sign in using backup codes

Sign in with a backup phone

Sign in with the free Google Authenticator app (requires Iphone or Android smartphone or tablet)

What if my mobile phone was lost or stolen?

If your phone was lost or stolen, we strongly recommend that you change your Nazareth Google account password as soon as possible. It is strongly advised that you have at least one alternate authentication method in place in advance - backup codes, alternate phones in the event your mobile phone is lost or stolen.

What if I get a new phone after I’ve set up Google 2-Step Verification?

You can always change your settings including adding a new phone or removing an old phone.  Visit your account's security settings page and make any required changes.

I've setup 2-Step Verification but how do I make changes later?

Visit your account's security settings page and make any required changes.  On the left of the screen, click on the Security tab.  Then locate the Signing in to Google section, then click on 2-step Verification.   You will be able to add other steps to your account including adding/removing phones as well as obtaining back codes you can print and keep with you.   You may also view this short video:

My department as a resource/departmental account that multiple people have access to.  What should we do for these accounts?

If you access the account via delegation only you do not need to setup 2-Step Verification.  If you log into the account directly with a user name and password, then you will need to setup 2-Step Verification.  The good news is that you can have multiple phones used as verification steps. So, for example, if three people need to log into the departmental account, you can add their mobile phones or office phones.

My account is a Student Worker account or Retiree account.  Do I still need to enroll in 2-Step Verification?

Yes. All employee accounts including student workers and retirees need to enroll.

I activated 2 step authentication and now my smart phone is prompting me to log in to Naz email. When I enter the password, it indicates it is invalid. Is this related to 2 step authentication?

It is likely that your Google Apps account is setup as an "Exchange" account on your smart phone or tablet.  To fix this, you delete the account from the device and setup the account as a "Google" account.  Your account data will resync with Google so you won't lose any data.

You can also setup an Application password or "app password" for your smartphone.

Create & use App Passwords

If you use 2-Step-Verification and get a "password incorrect" error when you sign in, you can try to use an App Password.

1. Go to your Google Account.
2. Select Security.
3. Under "Signing in to Google," select App Passwords. You may need to sign in. If you don’t have this option, it might be because:
   1. 2-Step Verification is not set up for your account.
   2. 2-Step Verification is only set up for security keys.
   3. Your account is through work, school, or other organization.
   4. You turned on Advanced Protection.
4. At the bottom, choose Select app and choose the app you using  Select device and choose the device you’re using  Generate.
5. Follow the instructions to enter the App Password. The App Password is the 16-character code in the yellow bar on your device.
6. Tap Done.

I’m stuck and I need backup codes.

If none of your 2-Step options are working, you can call the Technology & Media Service Desk at 389-2111 for assistance with accessing your account.

What do I do if I’ve lost my backup codes, and want to revoke them?

If you lost the print-out of your backup codes, you can revoke them on your settings page. In the Backup codes section click Show codes, then click Get new codes. This will invalidate the previous set of backup codes and generate a new set.