Why you might want to disable two-step verification
Two-step verification adds a second security layer to your Gmail account — you need both your password and a code from your phone to sign in. But there are real reasons you might want to turn it off: you've lost access to the phone number or authenticator app you set up with it, you're switching devices and don't want to reconfigure it yet, or the extra step has become too inconvenient for your situation.
Disabling it is straightforward, though Google will ask you to confirm your identity first. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to change your password or reset anything else about your account.
Key Takeaways
- You turn off two-step verification in your Google Account settings under Security, not in Gmail itself.
- Google will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number before you can disable it.
- After you disable two-step verification, your account will only require your password to sign in.
- If you've lost access to your recovery phone or email, you may need to answer security questions or wait for Google to verify your identity another way.
- You can turn two-step verification back on at any time using the same Security settings.
How to disable two-step verification step by step
Start by going to myaccount.google.com in your browser. Sign in with your Gmail address and password if you aren't already signed in.
On the left side of the page, click Security. Scroll down until you see the section labeled How you sign in to Google. You'll see 2-Step Verification listed there with a toggle or button next to it. Click on 2-Step Verification to open its settings.
Google will show you the phone number or authenticator app you have registered. At the bottom of this screen, you'll see a button that says Disable or Turn off. Click it.
Google will ask you to confirm your identity. This usually means entering a code sent to your recovery phone number or recovery email address. Check whichever one you have access to, enter the code, and click Verify. Once verified, two-step verification is off.
What to do if you can't receive the verification code
If you no longer have access to the phone number or email address Google is asking you to verify with, you have other options. On the verification screen, look for a link that says Can't access your phone? or Try another way to verify. Click it.
Google may ask you to answer security questions you set up when you created your account — questions like your recovery email, your birthday, or when you created the account. Answer as many as you can. If Google can verify your answers, it will let you proceed without the code.
If you can't answer the security questions either, Google may ask you to wait a few days while it verifies your identity through other means. This is a safety measure to prevent someone else from locking you out of your own account. You'll receive an email when the verification is complete.
What happens after you disable two-step verification
Once two-step verification is off, signing into Gmail will only require your password. You won't need to enter a code from your phone or authenticator app anymore. This applies to all devices — your phone, computer, tablet, and any other place you sign in.
Your account is still protected by your password, but you've removed the extra security layer. If someone learns your password, they can sign in without needing access to your phone. For this reason, make sure your password is strong and unique — don't use it on other websites.
Turning two-step verification back on later
You can re-enable two-step verification whenever you want by going back to myaccount.google.com, clicking Security, and then clicking 2-Step Verification. This time you'll see a button that says Enable or Turn on. Click it and follow the prompts to set up a new phone number or authenticator app.
If you're turning it back on because you switched phones, you'll set it up with your new phone number or install the authenticator app on your new device. Google will walk you through generating backup codes — save these somewhere safe, because they let you sign in if you lose access to your phone.
Choosing between your phone number and an authenticator app
When you re-enable two-step verification, Google gives you two options: receive codes by text message to your phone, or use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.
Text message codes are simpler — you just wait for the text and type it in. Authenticator apps are more find because they work even if your phone loses service, and they're harder for someone to intercept. If you're disabling two-step verification because you lost your phone, consider using an authenticator app when you turn it back on with your new device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling two-step verification delete my backup codes?
Yes. Any backup codes Google generated for you will no longer work once you disable two-step verification. If you turn it back on later, you'll get a new set of backup codes. If you still need the old codes for some reason, take a screenshot or write them down before you disable two-step verification.
Can I disable two-step verification on just one device?
No. Two-step verification is an account-wide setting. When you disable it, it's off for all devices and all places you sign in. You can't turn it off on your phone but keep it on your computer. If you want to use Gmail on a new device without two-step verification, you'll need to disable it for your whole account.
What if I forgot my password and can't sign into myaccount.google.com?
Go to the Gmail sign-in page and click Forgot password? Follow the steps to recover your account using your recovery email or phone number. Once you've reset your password and signed in, you can then disable two-step verification through your Security settings.
Is it safe to disable two-step verification?
Two-step verification makes your account harder to hack, so disabling it does reduce security. It's safe only if your password is strong and unique. If you're disabling it temporarily while you set up a new phone, turn it back on as soon as you can.