Use a security key for 2-Step Verification

Security keys can help you keep hackers out of your Google Account. With security keys, you get the extra protection of 2-Step Verification and can sign in without your phone.

Note: If you’re a journalist, activist, or someone else at risk of targeted online attacks, learn about the Advanced Protection Program.

Requirements for adding a key to your account

Before you can use a key to sign in, you’ll need to add it to your account using a computer.

• Have a computer with a USB port and the latest version of a compatible browser like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Edge.
• Have a security key that plugs into a USB port and works with FIDO Universal 2nd Factor (U2F).

Note: If you’re using a Titan Security Key from Google, you can learn more about what computers and devices it’s compatible with.

Step 1: Get your keys

You can buy Titan Security Keys from the Google Store or order a compatible security key from a retailer you trust.

Step 2: Add a key to your account

1. On your computer, go to the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.
2. If you haven’t set up 2-Step Verification already, select Get started. Otherwise skip to step 3.
3. Select Add Security Key. Don’t insert your key yet.
4. Select Next.
5. Insert your security key.
   • If your key has a disc or gold tip, tap it.
   • If your key has a button, press it.
6. In the top left, you’ll be asked if we can see the make and model of your security key. Select Allow or Block.
   • If you select Allow, we may be able to help you in the future if we find problems with the type of key you use.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish adding the key to your account.
8. To help you sign in if your key is lost, add recovery info and backups.

Step 3: Sign in using your key

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 computer or browser, you might see an option to sign in with a code or prompt instead.

Note: You’ll be asked for your security key or another second step any time you sign in from a new computer or device.

1. On your computer, sign in to your Google Account. Your device will detect that your account has a security key.
2. Connect your key to the USB port in your computer.
3. If you see a message from "Google Play services," tap OK. If not, move on to step 4.
4. Turn on your key:
   • If your key has a gold disc, tap it.
   • If your key has a gold tip, tap it.
   • If your key has a button, press it.
   • If your key has none of these features, you may need to remove and reinsert it. This type of key turns off after each use.

You can use your key each time you sign in or skip using it on devices you trust.

Ask Google to remember your computer

After you’ve signed in with your key, you can sign in with just your password. Follow these steps only for a computer that you use regularly and don't share with anyone else.

1. Sign in to your Google Account.
2. Check the box next to "Don’t ask again on this computer."
3. Finish signing in with your security key.

If anyone tries to sign in to your account from another computer, we’ll ask for your security key.

Lost security key

If you lose your security key, you can follow these steps to get back into your account and protect it. Choose the right steps for you depending on whether you’ve set up another second step like:

• Verification codes
• Google prompts
• Backup codes
• A different security key you’ve added to your account
• A registered computer where you previously chose not to be asked for a verification code