Google Messages allows you to securely log into your Google account without having to manually type your password every time. All you have to do is simply open your phone and tap Yes on the incoming notification to verify that you are indeed trying to log in.
This provides an extra layer of security for your Google account similar to two-step verification. So how do you set up Google Messages so you can start logging in with your phone instead of a password? And why should you start using it?
What you need to set up Google messages
To set up Google Messages, you will need:
- A Google account that you are signed in to.
- An Android phone with a lock screen or an iPhone 5 or later.
- An active Internet connection.
Now, let's dive into the details on how to enable Google Messages.
How to set up Google messages for your Google account
You can set up Google messages on a PC and on your smartphone by following the same procedure.
Here's how to set up Google Messages on your PC so you can start logging in with your phone.
- Log in to yours and click Safety in the left side panel. On the Security Settings page, go to the section Access to Google . Under option Use your phone to log in , click the forward arrow in front of Disabled . Google messages are set to Off by default.
- This will take you to the “How It Works” page. A short animation will demonstrate exactly how using your phone to log into Google works. Click CONFIGURE when you are done watching.
- You will be required to log into your account to verify your identity. Enter your account password and click NEXT .
- To use your phone to log in, you will need a smartphone with a lock screen. Within the “What you need” box, the “Your phone” and “Screen lock” options are automatically selected. If so, just click NEXT to continue. If not, or if you'd prefer to use a different phone to log in, click the drop-down menu Your phone and then Use a different phone .
- If you're using a different phone, make sure you're signed into your Google account on your Android or iPhone 5s or later.
- Its Android, vai su Settings> Accounts and sync> Add account> Google, then log in. It may vary slightly depending on the phone brand.
- On iPhone 5s or later, download the Google app from the App Store and log in with your Google account to continue setup.
- Now, go back to the desktop, click on TRY AGAIN and you will have to repeat some of the previous steps until you get to the "Use my phone to sign in" screen.
- Inside the "Try it" box, click NEXT . The Google messages test page will open.
- You will receive a push notification on your phone. Tap YES to confirm that you are trying to enable prompts.
- If successful, you will be directed to the message “It worked! Turn it on? " page. Click ACTIVATE to finalize the Google messaging setup.
- The next time you log into your Google account, you can skip the password and simply tap YES on your mobile for login approval when prompted.
As mentioned, you can sign in with Google Messages instead of your password and plus two-step verification if you've already enabled it.
Even without enabling Google Messages or XNUMX-Step Verification, Google may still ask you to confirm your login by tapping a push notification. This is done to safeguard your account from suspicious activity, including logging in from an unrecognized device.
How to disable Google messages and reset password usage
What happens if you decide to turn off Google Messages and sign in with your password or other sign-in method? No problem - it's easy to do.
Here's how to turn off Google Messages.
- Log into your Google account and click Safety .
- Go to the section Access to Google . Under the “Use my phone to sign in” option, click the forward arrow indicating it is activated .
- You will be asked if you have your phone with you. click on Yes if you do.
- Open the phone and tap SI to verify that it is you trying to disable Google requests.
- On your PC, click the button TURN OFF .
This will now disable Google messages and return you to the previous login method. You can always turn it back on whenever you want.
Conclusions
To avoid phone number-based hacking, Google highly recommends using prompts instead of SMS verification codes. This is because your SIM can be cloned and swapped without your knowledge.
Google messages can alert you to suspicious activity and help you pinpoint their exact source by indicating the device, location, and time of the login attempt.
If you haven't initiated a login attempt, someone else is trying to login to your account. You should immediately take steps to avoid this by changing your password and enabling two-step verification.
The phone must be turned on to use Google messages; otherwise, you will not be able to receive the push notification. If your battery is low or your phone is out of reach, you can still click Use your password or Other ways to sign in at the bottom of the login page. In other words, Google messages don't disable your password.
If you lose your phone, the screen lock or Touch ID can still protect you. You can also log into your Google account on another device, review your account activity, change and harden your passwords, and remove account access from the lost device. You should also set up two-step verification to further secure your Google account.
