How Do I Recover My 2-Step Verification on Gmail?

If your phone was stolen, you are very likely to have problems with your Gmail two-step verification. This is especially so if someone stole your password. It is easy for your password to be stolen if you use the same one for multiple sites, download unverified software from the internet, or click on certain links in email messages.

Google invented the two-step verification process to provide you with an extra layer of security. If a malicious person gets into your account, they could change the password and keep you from accessing your account, impersonate you and send offensive or exploitative emails to your contacts, or try to steal your financial information.

Using the 2-Step Verification

Consider using the two-step verification process to improve the security of your Gmail account. Follow these steps to set it up

1. Go to your Google Account and click on the option 'security.'
2. Click 2-step verification
3. Click Get started
4. Follow the steps provided

After setting it up, you must continue to the second step to improve your security and set up a security key or phone prompts. Create backups to help you in case you are unable to get into your account. Follow these steps to set up backup;

1. Go to your Google account and tap on the security option
2. Go to the signing into Google panel and then 2-step verification
3. You will be provided with a list of options and one of them will be the option to backup codes. Click on it or the option Backup phone.

Recovery Info

Even though no one likes to have their Gmail account hacked, it happens more often than you would imagine. Updating your recovery info helps you get your account back much more easily. Follow these steps to update your recovery email address

1. Go to your Google account and click on the option personal info
2. Tap email on the Contact Info panel
3. Add your recovery email

You may also choose to add a recovery phone number if that is what you prefer.

If you lose your phone while you are still logged in to another device, you may not need a verification code. Use it to get into your account and turn the 2-step verification off while you wait to receive verification codes.

When trying to recover your account, you may realize that your security key is lost. Fortunately, you can still get into your account using verification codes, backup codes, or Google prompts. Add a different security key when you manage to log in to your account.

If all your attempts to get into your account fail, you may need to fill out an account recovery form. This option should be the last resort as it takes a lot of time and effort. You may not be able to complete in just one day. Follow these steps to fill the form out

1. Use your username and password to sign in to your account
2. Go to the verification page and click on 'more options.'
3. Click on the option 'Get Help'
4. Google will provide you with an account recovery form that you have to fill. The form helps them verify that you are indeed the authorized owner of the account. Since it is meant to ensure that other people do not have access to your account, you need o answer the questions as accurately as you can. Some of the common questions that may be asked include when you created the account and who you contact frequently.

If you still have trouble with your two-step verification, contact Google's support team for help. Otherwise, the above steps should help you recover your two-step verification on Gmail.