Take steps to gain access to certain services

To help keep you and others safe online, you may need to complete additional steps to access certain services. This extra confirmation helps us verify that the account wasn't created or used by computer programs or bots for the purpose of abuse, like spamming.

If you choose not to verify, you can still use your account without access to certain services, which are likely to be used for abuse.

Tip: To complete your verification, you need a mobile device.

Unlock your access

Important: Not all verification options are available for all accounts, devices, and regions.

When you try to access certain services, you'll be asked for some verification info:

1. Click Continue.
2. Follow the instructions on your screen.

Unlocking your access may take a few seconds. When the loading page closes, or the loading bar stops, your access is unlocked. If you’re not automatically redirected, you’ll need to return to the service to access it.

If after successfully completing the verification steps, you’re still having trouble accessing the service, wait for a few minutes, and try using the service again.

Here are some tips for different verification options:

SMS verification

Tips:

• The phone number you use doesn’t have to be associated with your account. If you get an error message that your phone number can't be used for verification, enter another phone number that you have access to.
• To protect you and others from abuse, we limit the number of accounts each phone number can create and we limit some carriers that are often used for abuse. You can use a family member's or friend’s phone number instead. It may also help if you attempt to use a number from a different carrier.
• The cost of your verification depends on your plan and provider, but will likely be your standard text message rate. For more details, contact your mobile phone provider.

QR code or device check verification

This option is available only for phones and tablets.

Tips:

• If you receive a message that your device isn't supported, check that Google Play services are up to date and that you have a stable network connection. Then, try to verify again. Learn how to keep your device & apps working with Google Play services.
• If you get a message that your device has been used too many times for verification, you can use another device, or try the SMS verification option. If you don’t have another device, you can use a friend's or family member's device instead.