Use a security key for 2-Step Verification

Security keys can be used with 2-Step Verification to help you keep hackers out of your Google Account.

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

Step 1: Get your keys

• Use a compatible phone's built-in security key
• Buy Titan Security Keys from the Google Store
• Order a compatible security key from a retailer that you trust

Step 2: Add a key to your account

1. Open a compatible browser, like Chrome, Firefox or Safari (13.0.4 or higher).
2. Enrol your security key. You might need to sign in.

Tip: To help you sign in if your key is lost, add more ways to prove that it's you. 

Step 3: Sign in with 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 device or browser, you might see an option to sign in with a code or prompt instead.

1. On your computer, open a compatible browser, like Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Opera.
2. Sign in to your Google Account.
   • Your device will detect that your account has a security key.
3. Connect your key to the USB port in your computer.
   • If you find a message from 'Google Play services', click OK.
   • If not, move on to step 4.
4. Activate your key:
   • If your key has a gold disc: Tap it.
   • If your key has a gold tip: Tap and then press 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.

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

If you receive the error, ‘You need to register this security key to your Google Account before you can use it to sign in’:

1. Attempt to sign in with a different account.
2. Update your Google Play service.
3. To add the account in question, try to sign in again.

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

Organise your security keys

You can manage your security keys under your two-step verification settings. There, you'll find a list of the keys that you've added, from the most recent to the oldest. You'll also find more info, such as the key's name, the date that it was added and the date that it was last used. The key's name defaults to 'Security key' unless you choose a custom name.

You also have the option to edit each security key's name or to delete it.

Rename your security keys

Next to each security key, click on the pencil icon to edit its name. This means that if you have multiple security keys, you can better identify them with a custom name.

Remove your security keys

Next to a security key, click on the bin icon to remove it so that it's no longer connected to your Google Account. When you remove your security key, you'll be asked for confirmation. You may also need to sign in to your Google Account again.

Unable to use security key

If you can't use your security key, you can generate a security code for two-step verification:

1. On a device signed into your account, go to g.co/sc.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Reset your locked security key

Some security keys need extra verification, like a PIN.

If your security key is locked due to multiple incorrect PIN entries and must be reset:

1. On your computer, open Chrome .
2. At the top right, click More .
3. Click Settings Privacy and security Security Manage security keys Reset your security key.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Tip: You can use Chrome to reset your locked security key. Go to chrome://settings/securityKeys.

Lost security key

If your security key is lost, to regain access to your account and protect it, follow the steps for the type of two-step verification that you have:

• Verification codes
• Google prompts
• Backup codes
• Different security key that you add to your account
• Registered computer where you previously chose not to add a verification code

If you have another second step

1. Sign in to your Google Account with your password and your other second step.
2. Follow the steps to remove the lost key from your account.
3. Get a new security key. You may want to get an extra key that you can keep in a safe place.
4. Add the new key to your account.

If you don’t have another second step or forgot your password

Note: 2-Step Verification requires an extra step to prove that you own an account. Because of this added security, it can take up to 3–5 working days for Google to make sure that it’s you trying to sign in.

1. Follow the steps to recover your account. You'll be asked some questions to confirm that it's your account.
   • Use these tips to answer as best you can.
2. You may be asked:
   • To enter an email address or phone number where you can be contacted.
   • To enter a code sent to your email address or phone number. This code helps make sure that you can access that email address or phone number.

Related resources

•  Gmail security and privacy settings