What Are Google 2FA Backup Codes
Google’s two-factor authentication offers two default methods: a prompt on your secondary device and via SMS. Enter the password and wait for the prompt when logging into your account. However, it may not work out as you expect it every time. For instance, if you have no access to the SMS or calls, you might not be able to login to your account. Or worse, if your primary device is stolen.
In such circumstances, Google’s Backup codes can be the real backup to save the day.
Google 2FA backup codes are numbers used to authenticate your account when you can’t access your verification codes. Google generates ten codes at a time and wants you to store them securely, which you can visit at your convenience.
You can also generate a second batch of numbers if the first batch contains anomalies.
How to Setup Google 2FA Backup Codes
Step 1: Sign in using your primary Google account and go to Google 2-Step Verification.
Step 2: Once in, tap on the Get Started button. If you’ve already set 2FA, the date will be at the top. You’ll also see the other 2FA methods that already exist for your account. In my case, I had earlier enabled Google Prompt and SMS verification.
Step 3: Next, scroll down until you see the option for Backup codes. Click on the SET UP link, and you’ll be welcomed with random digits.
Step 4: Now, all you need to do is tap on the Download button, and the numbers will download as a text file to your PC’s Downloads folder.
Tap the Get New Codes button to generate a new batch of numbers. A new set of numbers will greet you.
Pro Tip: Backup Codes always download with a file name such as Backup-codes—[username].txt. To be safer, it’s a wise idea to change the file name. For the paranoid, you can always zip the file using 256-bit encryption.
How to Use Google 2FA Without Phone
Step 1: Next time you find yourself in a situation where you can’t use the default Google Prompt or the SMS verification method, don’t panic. Just login to your account and click on the Try another way button.
Step 2: The login page lists all the activated methods. As you may have guessed, you’ll need to click the Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes option.
Step 3: Enter one of the codes from the list you downloaded earlier, and that’s it. If the code is correct, you can log in to the account quickly.
Once a code is used, Google 2FA will strike out the code. However, these codes are your passwords, and you must ensure that you store these codes as you protect your passwords.
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Last updated on 26 August, 2024
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How would anyone go to their Google Account to cancel 2-Step Verification if they do not have a phone? it is required for 2-Step Verification? You cannot open your Google Account to cancel the 2-Step-Verification that is preventing you from signing in – because you must first SIGN IN.
This is like telling someone to go buy a shovel so he can dig myself out of a landslide. Your title states “Without Phone”. You showed a photo of some backup codes, and although they are probably just a simulation, I will try a few. Google is the most frustrating company to deal with. If I ever gain access to this Gmail account, I will transfer everything to Proton Mail and close my Google Account. Someone referred to Google as guilty of S**tification. Meaning, the art of frequently improving something until it is horrible. Not unlike developing a round wheel with interesting corners on it. That’s called a square.