How To:
Enable alternative 2-Step authentication methods on your Google account.
Applies To:
Students, Alumni, Retirees
Steps:
From Gmail, click your account icon, then click Manage your Google Account.
This will give you a list of options for your 2-Step authentication.
The Security Key option is the only option that allows you to not provide your phone number to Google.
Backup Codes
1) Click Get Backup Codes.
2) This will give you a list of Backup Codes you can use to access your account. Each code can only be used once.
If you use all of your codes or lose them, then you can generate a new set of codes by returning to the backup codes page in your Google account. Then click on the 'refresh' arrow button. The previous list of codes will no longer work.
Authenticator App
1) Click Authenticator App
2) You will need to download and install the Google Authenticator App on your phone from your phone's app store.
3) Click Setup Authenticator, then open the app on your phone and select Scan QR code. Scan the QR code from the website.
4) This will add your Google account to the authenticator app, and the app will generate codes for you when you log in.
Security Key
A security key is a small hardware device that plugs in via USB or connects to your device via NFC. You will need an FIDO U2F compatible security key. DUO tokens will not work with Google 2-Step authentication.
You will need to first follow the instructions for your key to connect it to you computer. Refer to the documentation that came with the device.
1) Click the option for Security Key, then click Add Security Key.
2) Follow the on-screen instruction for connecting your key to your Google account. These will vary by device.