Google 2-Step Verification (2SV): Using Backup Codes

Purpose

Google 2-Step Verification, Google 2SV, provides a significant security boost by requiring a second verification step in addition to your password making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access your account.

This document outlines the steps to authenticate into your Google services using Backup Codes for Google 2SV.  

Using Backup Codes

Note:  Ensure that you have generated and stored your backup codes in a SECURE place.

When signing in to your Google account and encountering a Google 2SV challenge, you can choose to "Try another way to sign in" and then select the option to enter a backup code.  Enter one of your unused 8-digit backup codes to proceed.  Your Backup codes will decrease as they are used.   If you run out of codes, you can generate a new set.

See the screen shots below.

Note:  You will start out with ten Backup Codes.  As Backup Codes are used, they will automatically be removed from your account.  Therefore, remember to generate a new set when you run out or if there is suspicion that Backup Codes have been compromised.

Follow the Generate Backup Codes link, if you haven't done so!!!

Congratulations!!!  You've accessed your account using a Backup Code!!!  Be sure to generate a new set if needed!!!

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