MFA (Multi-Factor Verification)

There are a number of options to verify your account, we’ve listed these below:

• Google Prompts on your phone
  • Displays a full screen notification on your smartphone asking you to confirm if you are trying to sign in to your Google account.
  • If you’ve added your work account to your phone this will be the default option.
• Text message or voice call
  • Sends a text message or automated voice message to your phone with a code that you have to type in on the computer.
  • Google will only use your mobile number for account security.
  • If you’ve not added your work account to your phone, this will be the default option.
• Security Key
  • A small USB key that you can put into your computer for it recognise you.

The options above are the first options available to you, once you’ve set up one of the above you will then have access to these extra options:

• Authenticator app
  • A simple Google app for Android and iOS that gives you a verification code for your account even if you aren’t connected to the internet.
  • Doesn’t need your full account to be added to your phone.
• Backup codes
• We don’t recommend this option but it is available.
• Printable one-off passcodes that you can type in when prompted.
• Good to use when you don’t have access to your phone but not very safe.

Here is a video on how to set up Google MFA.

1. Go to your Google Account: Open your web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. You may need to sign in.


2. Navigate to Security: In the navigation panel on the left, select Security.
3. Find "How you sign in to Google": Under this section, click on 2-Step Verification.
4. Get Started: Click the Get Started button.
5. Verify your identity: Google may ask you to re-enter your password to confirm it's you.

Once you've completed these initial steps, you'll be presented with various options for your second verification step.

This method sends a verification code to your phone via text message or an automated voice call.

1. Choose "Text message or voice call" (or "Phone number"): On the 2-Step Verification setup screen, you'll likely see this as one of the options. Select it and click Continue or Next.
2. Enter your phone number: Input your mobile phone number. Make sure to select the correct country code from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose how to get codes: Select either "Text message" or "Phone call."
4. Send and enter the code: Click Send (or similar). Google will send a verification code to the number you provided.
5. Enter the code: On the next screen, enter the 6-digit code you received and click Next or Verify.
6. Turn on 2-Step Verification: Once the code is verified, you'll see an option to Turn On 2-Step Verification. Click this to enable it.

Important Notes for Mobile Number Method:

• This method relies on your mobile signal. If you're in an area with no signal, you won't receive the code.
• While convenient, this method can be less secure than authenticator apps against certain types of attacks (like SIM swap).

This method uses an app on your smartphone to generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that change every 30-60 seconds. These codes work even without an internet connection or mobile service.

1. Download the Google Authenticator app:

   • For Android: Search for "Google Authenticator" in the Google Play Store.
   • For iPhone: Search for "Google Authenticator" in the Apple App Store.
   • Install the app on your mobile device.

2. Choose "Authenticator app" on the Google 2-Step Verification setup screen: After completing the general setup steps (above), select this option.

3. Choose your phone type: Select "Android" or "iPhone" and click Next.

4. Scan the QR code: A QR code will appear on your computer screen.

   • Open the Google Authenticator app on your phone.
   • If it's your first time using it, tap Get Started.
   • Tap the + icon (usually at the bottom right) to add an account.
   • Select Scan a QR code.
   • Point your phone's camera at the QR code on your computer screen. The app will automatically detect and add your Google account.
   • (Alternatively, if you can't scan the QR code, you might see an option to "Enter a setup key" or "manual entry." Choose this, and then manually enter the provided code into the Authenticator app.)

5. Enter the verification code: Once the account is added in the Authenticator app, a 6-digit code will be displayed.

   • Enter this code into the field on your computer screen.
   • Click Verify or Next.

6. Confirm and Turn On: Follow any final on-screen prompts to confirm the setup and Turn On 2-Step Verification.

Important Notes for Authenticator App Method:

• The codes are time-sensitive, so enter them quickly before they expire.
• If you get a new phone, you'll need to transfer your Authenticator codes to the new device. Google Authenticator now allows you to sync codes to your Google Account, which makes transferring easier.