Verify it's you

To help protect your account, you may be asked to prove it’s you if you recently signed out of your device or are attempting sensitive actions like:

  • Signing in from a new device
  • Viewing saved passwords
  • Changing recovery info
  • Downloading your data

Note: You’re more likely to see this step if we notice something unusual, like if you're using a new device or are in a different location.

Use your phone

To quickly and securely confirm it’s you, have a mobile device available that's registered to your account. You can use:

  • The phone with the recovery phone number for your account
    • Note: If you have a Google Account through work, you may be asked to verify it's you using your corporate device.
  • A phone or tablet that's signed in to your Google Account. Learn how to sign in on your phone.
  • An Android device with screen lock or fingerprint set up. You need to set up your screen lock or fingerprint before you can use it to verify it’s you.

If you are asked verify it’s you, follow the steps below. Have your phone nearby and if possible, make sure it's connected to the Internet.

  1. On the "Verify it's you" screen, complete the task or select More ways to verify. 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
    • Use your screen lock or fingerprint on your Android device. 
  2. Follow the instructions and use your phone when prompted.

Why you might see this step

This extra step helps protect your account. If someone finds out your username and password through phishing or another way, they still won’t be able to take sensitive actions on your account.

Learn how to make your account more secure.

Fix problems

Your phone isn't signed in

To sign in to your Google Account on your phone:

  1. On your Android device, open the Settings app Settings app.
  2. Tap Users & accounts and then Add account and then Google.
  3. Follow the instructions.
You can't use your phone

Your Android device is offline

If your phone isn't connected to the internet, you can still use it to verify it's you.

  1. On the Google sign-in page, enter your username and password as usual.
  2. If you see the "Verify it's you" screen, choose More ways to verify and then Get a security code on your Android phone.
  3. 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 verify it's you.

  1. On the Google sign-in page, enter your username and password as usual.
  2. If you see the "Verify it's you" screen, choose Try another way to sign in and then Can't use your phone?
  3. 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 verify it's you right now without your phone. Learn what steps you can take to verify it's you.

You don't get a phone prompt

If you don't get a prompt within a few minutes:

  1. Make sure your phone is connected to the internet. You need Wi-Fi or mobile data turned on to get prompts.
  2. Confirm that you're signed in to your account on your phone.
  3. Go to the sign-in screen and select Resend.

If you still don't get a prompt, select Try another way and choose a different option.

You don't get a text or phone call

If you don't get a text or phone call within a few minutes:

  1. Be sure the phone number digits you see are right.
  2. Make sure your phone's signal strength is high or that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
  3. Go to the sign-in screen and select Resend.
  4. If you still don't get a text or phone call, choose More ways to verify and then Get a security code on your Android phone.
  5. Follow the instructions.

Learn more about getting a security code on your Android device.

You still can't verify it's you

If you aren't able to sign in or complete an action, you can try again from:

  • A computer, phone, or tablet where you frequently sign in
  • The location where you usually sign in, like at home or work
  • The browser (like Chrome or Safari) that you use most often

Note: You may be able to verify it’s you by trying again in a few days.

You don't get the option to verify it's you

To protect your account, you may be blocked from taking a sensitive action when:

  • There’s no device registered to your account
  • There’s something different about how you’re using your account, like from a new location or device

If you don’t get the option to verify it’s you, you can try again in a few days or from a device you frequently use to sign in.

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