Use your phone's built-in security key

You can set up your phone’s built-in security key to safely sign in on devices running current versions of Chrome OS, iOS, macOS, and Windows. This helps protect your account from hackers, even if they’ve stolen info like your password.

When there's an attempt to sign in to your account, Google can check whether there's a Bluetooth signal between that device and your phone’s built-in security key. This Bluetooth check assures Google that you and your phone are physically present and that the sign-in attempt isn’t coming from someone else in a different location.

Add your phone as a security key to your Google Account

To set up your phone as a security key, you need an iPhone running iOS 10+. Learn how to update your iOS version for each account that you want to protect.

If your phone is eligible, Google will automatically use your phone’s built-in security key for additional protection when you sign in to new devices.

Important: You can only have one built-in security key on your account. If you have more than one eligible phone, you’ll need to choose one. You can switch to a different eligible phone at any time.

1. Make sure you have 2-Step Verification or Advanced Protection turned on.
2. Visit myaccount.google.com/security using a supported browser, like Chrome.
3. Under "Signing in to Google," select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
4. Scroll to "Security key" tap the Right arrow .
5. At the bottom left, tap Add security key.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and turn on your iPhone’s built-in security key by tapping Yes, I’m in when prompted to in the Smart Lock app.

Tip: If you haven’t already installed the Google Smart Lock app, you’ll be prompted to do so. To use your iPhone’s built-in security key, allow Smart Lock to send you notifications.

Use your phone’s built-in security key to sign on to new devices

1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices.
2. Sign in to your Google Account on a Chrome OS (version 79 and above), iOS, macOS, or Windows 10 device.
3. Check your iPhone for a Smart Lock notification. Tap the notification.
4. To verify your sign-in, tap Yes.

Fix problems

If you’re having trouble using your phone's built-in security key, try the tips below.

Bring your devices closer together

For your iPhone's built-in security key to work, it needs to be close to the device you’re trying to sign in on. Try putting your iPhone and the device you're trying to sign in on side by side.

Turn on Bluetooth on both devices

To avoid repeated errors when setting up your iPhone's built-in security key, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in the settings for:

• Your iPhone
• The device you’re trying to sign in on

Check the device requirements

To sign in on a computer using your iPhone's built-in security key, you need:

• An iPhone running iOS version 10+ with the latest version of Smart Lock app installed
• A computer that has:
  • Bluetooth
  • The latest version of a compatible browser like Chrome
  • The latest version of a compatible operating system like Chrome OS, Mac OS, or Windows

To sign in on an iPad or a second iPhone using your iPhone's built-in security key, you need:

• An iPhone running iOS version 10+ with the latest version of Smart Lock app installed
• An iPad or iPhone that has:
  • iOS version 10.0 or up
  • Bluetooth
  • The latest version of Smart Lock app installed

You downloaded Smart Lock but didn’t add your phone 

1. Go to myaccount.google.com/security.
2. Under "Signing in to Google," select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
3. Scroll down to “Set up alternative second step” and tap Add security key.
4. Select your iPhone Add.

You receive a prompt but weren’t trying to sign in

An unauthorized user may have tried to access your account. You may want to change your password.

Why does my Windows 10 device say Bluetooth is not turned on?

When you try to sign in with your phone’s built-in security key, you may receive the message “Turn on Bluetooth to allow pairing." The notification may display even if you turned on Bluetooth on both your phone and Windows 10 device.

To allow your phone's built-in security key to connect to your Windows 10 device:

1. Open Windows 10: Settings  Privacy  Radios. 
2. Under "Allow apps to control device radios", turn on.

Sign in without a security key

Important: This is not applicable if you are enrolled in Advanced Protection.

1. Sign in to your Google Account with your username and password.
2. Select Cancel Try another way.
3. Choose the verification method you’ll use to sign in.
4. To finish signing in, follow the instructions on your screen.

Get even stronger protection

For anyone at higher risk of targeted attacks, such as IT admins, business leaders, journalists, or political campaign teams, we recommend you enroll in Advanced Protection. This program provides the highest level of protection for your Google Account at no charge.