Google 2-Step Verification

Owned by Chris McCoy
Nov 06, 2024
2 min read

Google refers to their multi-factor authentication (MFA) system as 2-Step Verification.

There are four parts to configuring 2-Step Verification:

  1. Install the Google Authenticator app

  2. Configure the Authenticator app for your BRHS account

  3. Confirm at least one other “Second step” method is configured

  4. Turn on 2-Step Verification

Install the Google Authenticator app

  1. Search App Store (or Google Play) for “Google Authenticator”

  2. Sign in with a Google Account

    1. This can be your BRHS account or a personal Gmail account.

    2. This will allow your MFA codes to be saved to the cloud in case you loose or replace your device.

  3. Turn on Privacy Screen

    1. This protects access to the Authenticator app with any Biometric features available on your device (e.g. FaceID, TouchID).

    2. Menu > Settings > Privacy Screen

Configure Google Authenticator

  1. From a computer, navigate to:

  2. https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/twosv

    1. or https://myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification

  3. Under the “Second steps” listing, select Authenticator.

  4. Select Set up authenticator - a QR code will be displayed on the screen.

  5. With the Google Authenticator App:

    1. Tap the + button (lower-right)

    2. Choose Scan a QR code and point the device’s camera at the on-screen code.

    3. After a successful scan of the QR code, the new account will appear in the Authenticator app (format: Google: email@brrice.edu).

  6. Back on the computer:

    1. Click Next

    2. Enter the 6-digit code visible in the Authenticator app

  7. You have successfully configured with Authenticator app

Verify additional Second steps

Before turning on 2-Step Verification, it is highly recommended you configure at least one additional “Second step” so you are able to access your account if the Authenticator app is unavailable.

  1. From a computer, navigate back to:

    1. https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/twosv

    2. or https://myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification

  2. Under the Second Steps listing, confirm there is at least one other method, other than Authenticator, with the green checkmark icon:

    1. Most users will already have Google prompt configured.

    2. You can optionally add a Phone number.

Turn on 2-Step Verification

  1. Once you have verified the correct “Second steps” are enabled, click Turn on 2-Step Verification.

  2. You will see a confirmation message: “You’re now protected with 2-Step Verification”.