Sign in when asked to verify it's you
When you sign in to your Google Account, sometimes you might need to take an extra step to confirm it's you.
You'll see this step when we notice something unusual about how you're signing in, like if you're using a new device or are in a different location.
Use your phone to sign in
To quickly and securely confirm that you're trying to sign in, you'll need a mobile device that's connected to your account. You can use:
- The phone with the recovery phone number for your account
- A phone or tablet that's signed in to your Google Account
Learn more about recovery phone numbers and how to sign in on your phone.
To sign in, follow the steps below. Have your phone nearby and if possible, make sure it's connected to the Internet.
- On the Google sign-in page, sign in as usual.
- If you see the "Verify it's you" screen, complete the task or select Try another way to sign in. You'll have some or all of these options:
- Get a prompt sent to your phone
- Get a verification code by text
- Get a verification code by phone call
- Get a security code on your Android device
- Answer a security question
- Follow the instructions and use your phone when prompted.
Why you might see this step
This extra step helps protect your account in case anyone else tries to sign in as you. Even if someone finds out your username and password through phishing or another way, they won't be able to sign in without access to your phone.
Learn how to prevent and report phishing.
Fix problems
To sign in to your Google Account on your phone:
- On your Android device, open the Settings app
.
- Tap Users & accounts
Add account
- Follow the instructions.
.
Add account Your Android device is offline
If you have your phone but it isn't connected to the Internet, you can still use it to sign in.
- On the Google sign-in page, enter your username and password as usual.
- If you see the "Verify it's you" screen, choose Try another way to sign in
- Follow the instructions.
Learn more about getting a security code on your Android device.
Your phone isn't available
If you can't use your phone or your account doesn't have a recovery phone number, you might still be able to sign in.
- On the Google sign-in page, enter your username and password as usual.
- If you see the "Verify it's you" screen, choose Try another way to sign in
- If you get a list of options to confirm it's you, select one and follow the instructions. The options can vary, but you'll probably need to confirm information about your account.
If you see the "Security check" screen: You can't sign in right now without your phone. Learn what steps you can take to sign in.
If you don't get a prompt within a few minutes:
- Make sure your phone is connected to the Internet. You need Wi-Fi or cellular data turned on to get prompts.
- Confirm that you're signed in to your account on your phone.
- Go to the sign-in screen and select Resend.
If you still don't get a prompt, select Try another way to sign in and choose a different option.
If you don't get a text or phone call within a few minutes:
- Be sure the phone number digits you see are right.
- Make sure your phone's signal strength is high or that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to the sign-in screen and select Resend.
- If you still don't get a text or phone call, choose Try another way to sign in
- Follow the instructions.
Learn more about getting a security code on your Android device.
If you aren't able to access your account, you have a few options:
- Sign in on a device you've used before
- Sign in when you're in a location where you usually sign in
- Try signing in later
- If your phone or tablet is with someone you trust, contact that person for help signing in
Nick is an Accounts expert and the author of this help page. Leave him feedback below about how to improve it.
