When you sign in to your Google Account, you can tap a notification on your phone to confirm it’s you.
You can use Google prompts to sign in:
- With your phone instead of a password
- In addition to your password when you turn on 2-Step Verification
- When you try to recover your account
Even if you haven’t turned either of these settings on, Google might also ask you to tap a notification to help confirm it’s you signing in.
Learn which devices get Google prompts
You’ll get Google prompts on any Android phone signed in to your Google Account.
If your phone is eligible, Google will automatically try to use Bluetooth for additional protection when you sign in to new devices. We use Bluetooth to help block suspicious sign-in attempts from devices that aren’t physically close to your phone.
How Google prompts help protect your account
We recommend Google prompts instead of text message (SMS) verification codes to help you:
- Avoid phone number-based account hacking. Hackers may try to steal verification codes to help them break into your account. Google prompts help protect against this method of account hacking by sending them more securely to only your signed in devices.
- Get more info about sign-in attempts. To help you find suspicious activity, Google prompts give you info about the device, location, and time of the sign-in attempt.
- Block suspicious activity. If you didn’t try to sign in to your account, tap No on the notification to secure your account.
Learn more about phishing attacks.
Use recommended devices & security features
If you need to sign in to a phone that isn’t yours, sign in from a private browser window. To sign out, close all private browser windows when you finish using the phone.
To help prevent use of your device by others, turn on your phone's screen lock.Fix problems
You don't get a Google prompt
If you try to sign in and don't get a prompt on your phone:
- Try again. On the sign-in screen, select Resend.
- If that doesn't work, make sure that:
- Your phone is connected to the internet. You need Wi-Fi or cellular data turned on to get prompts.
- You turn off Do Not Disturb, if the setting is turned on.
- Your phone has the latest version of Google Play services.
- Check that you are signed into your Google Account:
- On your Android device, open Settings
.
- Tap Passwords & accounts
Google.
- If you aren’t signed in, follow the on-screen steps.
- On your Android device, open Settings
- Try to sign in again.
Google.You get a prompt but didn't sign in
If you didn’t try to sign in but you get a prompt, someone may have tried to sign in without your permission.
On the "Trying to sign in?" prompt, tap No.
If we notice something different about how you sign in, like your location, we may ask you to take extra steps to confirm it's you. For example, you might need to match a number shown on your computer screen with one on your phone screen.
You received a "Request Expired" message
If your phone shows an expired or timed out prompt, there was an unsuccessful attempt to sign in to your Google Account.
If you did try to sign in to your account:
- On the sign-in screen, tap Resend.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your Google Account.
If you didn't try to sign in to your Google Account:
- Review sign in activity in your Google Account.
- If someone else tried to access your account without permission, we recommend you change your password.
Your phone isn't nearby or you can't use it
Sometimes you may need to sign in a different way, like when:
- You don't have your phone.
- Your phone isn’t charged.
- Your phone is offline.
If you sign in with Google prompts instead of a password, you’ll need to use your password instead.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap Use password or other options.
- Choose one of the options, and follow the on-screen steps.
If you use Google prompts for 2-Step Verification, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap Try another way or another message like, I can’t do this.
- Choose one of the options, and follow the on-screen steps.
Your phone is lost or stolen
Sign out on a device you no longer use.
To recover your account:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap I don’t have my phone.
- Choose one of the options, and follow the on-screen steps.