Use a security key for 2-Step Verification

Security keys can be used with 2-Step Verification to help you keep hackers out of your Google Account.
Important: If you’re a journalist, activist, or someone else at risk of targeted online attacks, learn about the Advanced Protection Program.

Step 1: Get your keys

Step 2: Add a key to your account

Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser or OS. New registered keys no longer work on Android devices 8.0 and lower.

  1. Open a compatible browser, like Chrome.
  2. Enroll your security key. You might need to sign in.
Tip: To help you sign in if your key is lost, add more ways to prove it's you

Step 3: Sign in with your key

Important: If you create a passkey on your security key, you’ll bypass the second authentication step, since this verifies that you have possession of your device. If you’d like to always use your password, you can change this default preference in your account settings.

Security keys are a more secure second step. If you have other second steps set up, use your security key to sign in whenever possible. If a security key doesn't work on your device or browser, you might see an option to sign in with a code or prompt instead.

If you receive the error, “You need to register this Security Key to your Google Account before you can use it to sign in”:

  1. Attempt to sign in with a different account.
  2. Update your Google Play service.
  3. To add the account in question, try to sign in again.
Tip: You’ll be asked for your security key or another second step any time you sign in from a new computer or device.

Organize your security keys

You can manage your security keys under your 2-Step Verification settings. There, you’ll find a list of the keys you’ve added, from the most recent to the oldest. You’ll also find more info such as the key's name, the date it was added, and the date it was last used. The key’s name defaults to “Security Key” unless you choose a custom name.

You also have the option to edit each security key’s name or to delete it.

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