Set up 2-Step Verification

Sign in to mobile or desktop apps

Users enrolled in 2-Step Verification need to periodically enter a special verification code, in addition to their username and password, to sign in to G Suite. When signing in from a web browser, they're prompted to enter this code after entering their password. However, desktop and mobile applications aren't configured to accept a verification code—there's no field for entering it. In these cases, they need to sign in by entering another type of code—called an app password—in place of their Google Account password.

How do my users generate and use app passwords?

Have your users follow the instructions in Sign in using app passwords.

If these directions don't work, you can try these alternate directions

If this link doesn't work, follow these steps:

Click Signing in to Google. (Note: You can only generate app passwords if you're enrolled in 2-Step Verification).
Go to your App passwords page: https://security.google.com/settings/security/apppasswords.

Enter your password, if prompted.

On your App passwords page, select the relevant app under Select app, or Other to provide a descriptive name for the app, such as "Gmail Android".
Select a device under Select device. (Steps 5 and 6 help you remember which application it's for, and on which device it's used, in case you later need to revoke it).

Click Generate.
You'll see the app password and how to use it.
Enter the password, then click Done.

2-Step Verification in a browser vs. a desktop or mobile app

	Web Browser application	Desktop application or mobile application
What	Enter a 2-Step Verification code	Enter an app password Android 6.0 or later does not accept an app password. Users must enter their user-account password and then enter a 2-Step Verification code, which successfully adds the account. When your account is accessed via IMAP, POP, SMTP, CalDAV, or CardDAV, you must follow the instructions at https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6010255 to enable Less Secure Apps prior to configuring app passwords.
How	Get a verification code each time you need one, from your phone	Get an app password once from your Authorized Access to your Google Account page on the web
When	Once a month or when otherwise prompted	Only once when you set up a new application/device after you've enrolled in 2-Step Verification
Where	On a second page that appears after entering a username and password	In your G Suite Password field

Deployment tips for G Suite administrators

Set up a deployment day where your users take their phones and laptops to your Help Desk.
Tip: If you have a large number of users, consider enabling 2-Step Verification by organizational unit in the Admin console. You can then send your users to the Help Desk in smaller, more manageable groups, by OU.
Have your IT staff set up 2-Step Verification for your users and enter the app passwords where needed in their mobile devices and desktop applications.
Train your users when to use 2-Step Verification codes and how to get their codes.
Send your users the 2-Step Verification email template.
Point your Help Desk or Support staff to the 2-Step Verification email template and the Troubleshoot 2-Step Verification articles to help them get up to speed.

Was this article helpful?

How can we improve it?