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A Google verification code is a short numeric code that's sometimes sent to your phone or email address, which you use to complete a task like password recovery.
It's an added security step that ensures only you (or someone else who is authorized to access your Google account) gains entry.
How you could receive a Google verification code
There are several ways you might receive a verification code from Google:
Google Authenticator is a secure and convenient way to keep your account safe, since it generates verification codes whenever you need them.Dave Johnson/Business Insider- Google can also text a verification code to your mobile phone.
- If you have two-step authentication turned on for your Google account, Google gave you some backup codes when you first set up your account's security.
When you could receive a Google verification code
In normal, day-to-day use of your Google account, you likely won't need to contend with a verification code.
Here are the most common situations in which you may be asked for a code:
- Password reset. If you lose or forget your Google password and try to reset the password, you may need to enter a verification code before you can change the password.
- Two-step authentication. Anytime you log out of your account and try log back in when you have two-step authentication enabled, you will receive a code from Google that you'll need to log in with.
- Signing into a new computer or device. Google keeps track of what devices you regularly use. If you have two-step authentication enabled and try to log in from a new device, Google will require a verification code before you can log in.
- You create a new Google account. Often, Google will send you a verification code to confirm you are not a robot if you create a new account.
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