Generate and Save Google 2-Step Verification Backup Codes

How To:

• Generate and Save Google 2-Step Verification Backup Codes

Applies To:

• Students

Overview:

Google 2-Step Verification backup codes provide an alternative way to sign in if you are unable to use your normal verification method, such as your phone or Google Authenticator.

Google provides a set of 10 backup codes, and each code can be used only once. Generating a new set automatically deactivates any previously generated codes. This can be helpful to students that do not have another authenticative method or for Jump Starts students that cannot using phones in their high school classrooms.

Steps:

Generate Your Backup Codes

1. Sign in to your Google Account.
2. Go to Security & sign-in.
3. Under How you sign in to Google, select 2-Step Verification.
4. You may be asked to sign in again.
5. Under Backup codes, select Continue.
6. Select Get backup codes.
7. Google will display a new set of 10 backup codes.
8. Select Download Codes to download the codes to your computer.

Save Your Backup Codes to Google Drive

After downloading the backup codes:

1. Open Google Drive.
2. Select New.
3. Select File upload.
4. Locate the downloaded backup-code file on your computer. It will typically be named something similar to Backup-codes-username.txt.
5. Select Open to upload the file to Google Drive.
6. Confirm that the file appears in your Drive.

Security Reminder

Backup codes are sensitive account security information. Do not share them with anyone or store them in a location that others can access. Google recommends keeping backup codes in a safe place.

If you believe your backup codes have been lost or compromised, generate a new set of backup codes. Creating a new set automatically makes the previous codes inactive.

Using a Backup Code

If you cannot use your normal 2-Step Verification method when signing in:

1. Sign in to your Google Account with your username and password.
2. Select Try another way.
3. Select Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.
4. Enter an unused backup code.

Each backup code can be used only once.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance accessing your Google Account, contact the ESU Service Desk.

Google Help: Google Account Help – Backup Codes