Gmail: setting up Multifactor Authentication (MFA/2FA)

Quick Links

Setup 2FA/MFA through a Web Browser:
Setup 2FA/MFA through the IOS Gmail or Google App:

Setup 2FA/MFA through a Web Browser:

1) Sign into your student Google account if you are not already.

2) Once signed in, navigate to Multifactor Authentication enrollment by going to https://myaccount.google.com/ then selecting Security then 2-Step Verification.

Screenshot of Google Account Settings. Page shows the Security Settings.

3) Select Get Started then login, if prompted.

4) Specify how you would like to receive your verification code when logging in. If you are signed into your student Google account on either the mobile Gmail or Google app your device should show These devices can get prompts. If you are not signed into the Gmail or Google app you will be prompted to enter a phone number where you would like to receive your verification code as well as your preference of Text Message or Phone Call then select Next or Continue.

Screenshot of Google two step verification. Image shows step one of set up, showing the device user will set up to authenticate with.

Screenshot of Google two factor authentication set up. Image shows Google asking for user's phone number and method to receive code

5) If you selected Device Prompts you will be prompted to enter a backup option. Enter a Phone Number then select either Text Message or Phone Call then Send. If you decided to receive your verification codes via Text Message or Phone Call in the previous step, skip this step.

6) Enter the Verification Code that was just texted to you. If you selected the Phone Call option, wait for a call and then enter the code it tells you then select Next.

Screenshot of Google two factor authentication. Page is asking user to enter the code sent to their number to confirm it works.

7) Select TURN ON and you have successfully enabled Multi Factor Authentication.

Screenshot of Google two factor authentication confirming that the process of setting up two factor has been successful.

Setup 2FA/MFA through the IOS Gmail or Google App:

1) Open your Gmail or Google app. Select your Profile Picture in the top right. Add your RWU student account if not already added by selecting Add Another Account. If your school account is not on top, select your school account to sign into the account then select your Profile Picture again. Select Manage your Google Account.

Screenshot of IOS Gmail application. Image shows the different accounts signed in on the application. Two accounts appear signed in, followed by an option to "Add Another Account" and "Manage Accounts on this Device".

2 ) Select Security then 2-Step Verification.

Screenshot of Google Account Settings. Under the Security option at the top, the options for two FA are available.

3) Select Get Started.

Screenshot of Two FA settings in the Google Gmail Application

4) Sign In to your account if promoted.

Screenshot of IOS Gmail Two FA Set up. Image shows first step by entering user's password.

5) Select Continue.

Screenshot of IOS Gmail two step verification. Image shows step one of set up, showing the device user will set up to authenticate with.

6) Enter a phone number and how you would like to receive your verification code as a backup option then select Send.

Screenshot of IOS Gmail two factor authentication set up. Image shows Google asking for user's phone number and method to receive code

7) Enter the Verification Code that was just texted to you. If you selected the Phone Call option, wait for a call and then enter the code it tells you then select Next.

8) Select TURN ON and you have successfully enabled Multi Factor Authentication