Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Google 2-Step Verification
What you'll need:
Your school Google account username and password - @GMRSD.US
Your mobile phone (smartphone recommended for the Google Prompts method).
Method 1: Using Google Prompts (Recommended - Easiest & Most Secure)
This method sends a notification to your phone asking you to approve the login.
Go to your Google Account Security Settings:
Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
You may need to sign in with your school Google account.
Navigate to 2-Step Verification:
Scroll down to the "How you sign in to Google" section.
Click on "2-Step Verification".
Get Started:
Click the "Get started" button.
Re-enter your password to confirm it's you.
Set Up Google Prompts:
Google will usually automatically detect if you have an Android phone or an iPhone with the Google Smart Lock app (or other Google apps like Gmail or Google Search) signed into your school account.
If prompted, select your primary phone from the list.
Click "Try it now" to send a test prompt to your phone.
On your phone: You should receive a notification asking "Trying to sign in?" with the location of the login. Tap "Yes".
If the test is successful, click "Turn on" on your computer.
Add a Backup Phone Number (Crucial!):
After turning on 2SV, Google will prompt you to add a backup phone number. This is essential! It's used if you lose your primary device or don't have internet access.
Enter your mobile phone number OR your school phone number
Choose whether to receive codes via "Text message" or "Phone call." - phone call, of course if you’re using your school phone number.
Click "Send". You'll receive a code on your phone.
Enter the code on your computer and click "Verify".
Method 2: Using Text Messages (SMS) or Voice Calls (Backup Option)
You can also set up text message codes as your primary method, or as an important backup.
Follow steps 1-3 from Method 1 (Go to Security Settings > 2-Step Verification > Get Started).
When prompted to choose your second step, scroll down and click "Show more options."
Select "Text message or voice call".
Enter your mobile phone number.
Choose whether to receive codes via "Text message" or "Phone call."
Click "Send". You'll receive a code on your phone.
Enter the code on your computer and click "Verify".
Click "Turn on" to activate 2SV.
Important Backup Methods (Highly Recommended):
Even if you use Google Prompts, it's critical to set up at least one other backup option in case you lose your phone or can't access it.
Backup Codes: Google can generate a list of one-time-use codes. Print these out and keep them in a safe, secure place (e.g., in your wallet, not on your computer).
After setting up 2SV, go back to myaccount.google.com/security > 2-Step Verification.
Under "Backup codes," click "Set up" or "Get codes".
Download or print these codes immediately.
Authenticator App: For more advanced users, you can use the Google Authenticator app or another authenticator app (like Authy) to generate codes on your phone without needing a cell signal.
After setting up 2SV, go back to myaccount.google.com/security > 2-Step Verification.
Under "Authenticator app," click "Set up". Follow the on-screen instructions to link your account.
Have more questions? Click here to access the FAQ for 2-Step Verification
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