How to setup Google MFA (2-step verification) - phone option

Overview

This document walks you through getting Google MFA configured to receive notifications on your mobile phone or landline phone. Google calls this 2-step verification.

Instructions
  1. When you log in to a LakerApps Google app such as Gmail, you will get notified that 2-step verification needs to be set up for your account. The message displayed looks similar to the following. 
  • If you do not get prompted to Enroll, you can open a new tab in a browser and type in myaccount.google.com. The image is displayed below. 

image showing the 2-step verification screen prompting to enroll upon logging into Gmail

  1. You may be asked to verify your identity by entering your password before continuing. You will be taken to the security settings for your account.  From the list of categories of settings on the left side of the page, make sure "Security" is selected.  

image showing the security settings button for Gmail

  1. In the "How you sign in to Google" section, click the arrow in the "2-Step Verification" setting.

image showing the how to sign in to Google section with 2-step verification setting

  1. You will be presented with a screen describing the benefits of 2-step verification.  Click "Get Started."

image showing You will be presented with a screen describing the benefits of 2-step verification.  Click "Get Started."

  1. Google would ask you to review your device for the two-step verification and you will be asked to enter a Phone Number or to set up "Security Key" as part of the two-step verification.

   

  1. Enter your mobile phone number and whether you want to receive a text message or a phone call for the verification code. If you choose to enter a land line phone, make sure to select "Phone call" as the option to get the codes. Click "Next".
    • If the phone entered is a mobile phone, Google will send a code via text or voice to the phone number you provided depending on the option you chose.

  1. If you are setting up your phone as your initial method for 2-step verification, you will then be prompted to turn 2-step verification on. Click "Turn On" and once you have done that, it will display all the other alternative options for two-step verification. 

Image showing you will then be prompted to turn 2-step verification on.  Click "Turn On." 

  1. You will now be sent back to your Security settings.  Under "How you sign in to Google" verify 2-step verification is turned on. There should be a green check mark with the date/time it was turned on.

Image showing under "How you sign in to Google" verify 2-step verification is turned on.

  1. You have now successfully completed turning on Google MFA (2-step verification) with a phone option. You should also set up a second method as a backup. The options available are:
Need Help?

Need additional information or assistance? Contact CTS.

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Details

Article ID: 10724
Created
Wed 7/19/23 2:39 PM
Modified
Fri 7/26/24 3:44 PM

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Related Services / Offerings (1)

Google Multi-factor authentication (MFA), also known as 2-step verification, is Google's method for securing accounts. SUNY Oswego uses it with our LakerApps suite of applications (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, etc.) to provide more security to digital accounts and services.