How to Set Up Back-Up Authenticator Codes for Your Google Account

If you've got a Google account, here's how you can add an extra layer of security to your account by setting up back-up authenticator codes.

Back-up codes provide an easy way to get back into your Google account. They act as the last line of defense to sign back to your Google account if either you've lost your phone, can't receive messages from Google, or can't get a code from the Google Authenticator app.

You can also use them if you lose your security keys. This enables you to recover your account without contacting Google, which is a very tiresome process.

Here's how to create back-up Authenticator codes on Google.

How to Create Back-Up Authenticator Codes on Google

Creating back-up codes on Google is a pretty straightforward process. If you have 2-step verification enabled, follow these steps to create back-up codes:

1. Go to the My Account page and sign in to your Google account, if you haven't already.
2. Click Security on the left navigation panel.
3. Scroll down to Signing in to Google and select 2-Step Verification. Google might ask you to enter your password.

4. Under Add more second steps to verify it's you section, select Set Up under Back-up codes.

   
5. Google will generate a set of ten codes to use. Select Download or Print and store the codes in a safe place.

Related: Google Authenticator Codes Stopped Working? How to Fix This Issue

If you have not set up 2-step verification, the procedure will differ slightly. Follow these steps to enable 2-Step verification and generate back-up codes:

1. Go to myaccount.google.com. You may need to sign in to your account.

2. Scroll down to Signing in to Google. If you have Use your phone to sign in enabled, you must turn it off.

   
3. Next, select 2-Step Verification. Google might ask you to enter your password for verification. If it does, enter your password and click Next.
4. Click Get Started.
5. Select Continue on the next page.

6. On Add a back-up option screen, select Use Another Back-up Option. Google will show you a set of ten codes that you can use to sign in to your account if you're away from your device.

   
7. Select Print or Download and store the codes in a safe place.
8. Once done, click Next and select Turn On to finish setting up 2-Step verification.

Working with back-up codes is convenient since you don't need your phone with you for 2-step verification. With a set of 10 codes, and with each code only used once, you can easily run out of them.

Thankfully, you can generate new codes anytime you want by going to the 2-step verification page in your Google account. You can also view the codes by heading over to My Account > Security > 2-Step Verification and click Show codes under Back-up codes.

Related: How to Secure Your Accounts With 2FA: Gmail, Outlook, and More

Sign In to Your Google Account Without Your Phone in Hand

2-step verification is critical, allowing you to pass through two checks before gaining access to your accounts. Google has various ways to verify that you're the one trying to access your account every time you try to sign in. But back-up codes come in handy when you don't have your phone or security keys in hand.

While at it, ensure you know the difference between 2-step verification and 2-factor authentication to improve your online account security further.

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