How to set up two-factor authentication on your Google account

Updated 06/21/16: Includes more recent and accurate images, as well as information about Google's new on-phone prompt.

You don’t have to possess a stash of nude selfies in your Google account to know that it’s time to take better precautions against getting hacked.

Two-factor authentication (also called two-step verification) is one of the best weapons you can use against digital thieves. Fortunately, it is rather easy to set up for your Google account, providing an extra layer of security to guard against unwanted access to your stuff.

How it all works

Every time you sign in to your Google account it will require not only your password (you are using a password manager, right?) but a six-digit code generated through a text message, the Google Authenticator app, or an approval from the Google prompt. This way, if someone were to hack your password, they could not gain full account access unless they had your phone.

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