# Turn on 2-Step Verification for your Google Workspace account

> Turn on 2-Step Verification at myaccount.google.com, use Google prompts or an authenticator app, and save your backup codes.
>
> Source: https://docs.officeniaga.com/workspace-2-step-verification/

Turn on 2-Step Verification in your Google Account at [myaccount.google.com](https://myaccount.google.com), so signing in needs your password plus a second step on your phone.

## Turn it on (staff)

1. Go to [myaccount.google.com](https://myaccount.google.com) and sign in with your work email.
2. Select **Security & sign-in**.
3. Under **How you sign in to Google**, select **Turn on 2-Step Verification**.
4. Follow the steps on screen. Choose **Google prompts** (tap **Yes** on your phone) or an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator.
5. Back on the **2-Step Verification** page, under **Backup codes** select **Continue**, then **Get backup codes**. Print or download the 10 codes and keep them somewhere safe. Each code works once.

Google prompts work best when your work account is signed in on your phone. See [set up Gmail on your phone](/gmail-phone-setup/). Outlook users sign in through Google, see [Google Workspace in Outlook](/workspace-outlook/).

## Why you should not ignore the reminders

When your company enforces 2-Step Verification, you see reminders each time you sign in. Miss the enforcement date and you may be unable to sign in until your admin gives you a backup code. If you forgot your password as well, see [forgot your Google Workspace password](/workspace-forgot-password/).

## For admins

1. In the [Admin console](https://admin.google.com), go to **Security > Authentication > 2-step verification**.
2. Tick **Allow users to turn on 2-Step Verification**.
3. Under **Enforcement**, choose **On** or **Turn on enforcement from date**. Set a **New user enrollment period** for new staff.

To help a locked-out user, go to **Directory > Users**, select the user, then **Security > 2-step verification > Get Backup Verification Codes**. Send them one code. This option only appears if 2-Step Verification is enforced for your company or the user had already turned it on.

## Still stuck

WhatsApp our support team at [+60 16-916 3324](https://wa.me/60169163324).

## Common issues

### Why am I locked out after my company turned on 2-Step Verification?

Your admin may have enforced 2-Step Verification before you set it up. Ask your company admin for a backup code to sign in, then set it up straight away.

### I lost my phone. How do I sign in?

Use one of your saved backup codes. If you have none, your admin can get a backup code for you from the Admin console.

### Can I use SMS instead of the Google prompt?

Yes, if your admin allows it. Google prompts or an authenticator app are more secure, so use those when you can.