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How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Email
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Two-Factor AuthenticationEmailSecurityPrivacyAccount ManagementOnline ServicesCommunicationInternetUser GuideData Management
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Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your email account. When you enable 2FA, you need not only your password to log in, but also a second step to verify your identity. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable 2FA on three popular email services: Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail.
Gmail
Step-by-step guide to enable 2FA on Gmail
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Log in to your Gmail account
First, open your browser and go to Gmail. Enter your email and password to log in.
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Go to Google Account Settings
In the upper right corner of the Gmail interface, click your profile picture or initial, and then click "Manage your Google Account."
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Go to the Security tab
On the left side, you will see a column of settings. Click on "Security."
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Find "Two-Step Verification"
Scroll down until you find the section titled "Signing in to Google." Under this section, you'll see "2-Step Verification." Click on it.
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Start the setup process
A new page will open. Click the "Get Started" button. You will be asked to re-enter your password.
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Choose your verification method
Google will ask you how you want to receive your verification codes. You can choose to receive them via text message or phone call. Choose your preferred method and click "Next."
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Enter your phone number
Enter the phone number where you want to receive your 2FA codes and click "Next."
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Verify your phone number
Google will send a verification code to the phone number you provided. Check your phone for the code, enter it on the website, and click "Next."
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Enable 2-Step Verification
Once your phone number is verified, click “Turn On” to enable 2-Step Verification.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully enabled 2FA on your Gmail account!
Outlook
Step-by-step guide to enable 2FA on Outlook
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Log in to your Outlook account
Go to Outlook and log in with your email and password.
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Go to security settings
Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner and select "My Microsoft account." Then, in the navigation menu at the top, click "Security."
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Click on "Advanced Security Options"
Scroll down on the Security page until you see the "Advanced Security Options" section. Click "Get Started."
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Find Two-Step Verification Options
In the "Advanced Security Options" page, scroll down until you find the "2-Step Verification" section and click "Turn On."
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Verify your identity
Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
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Choose your verification method
You'll be asked to choose how you want to receive your codes: via an authenticator app, email, or phone number. Choose your preferred method and follow the instructions to set it up.
Once you complete these steps, 2FA will be enabled on your Outlook account.
Yahoo Mail
Step-by-step guide to enabling 2FA on Yahoo Mail
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Log in to your Yahoo Mail account
Go to Yahoo Mail and log in using your email and password.
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Go to Account Security
Click on your profile name in the upper right corner and select "Account Information." Then, click "Account Security."
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Turn on two-step verification
Under "Account Security," you'll find the option for "Two-Step Verification." Toggle the switch to turn it on.
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Enter your phone number
You will be asked to enter and verify a phone number to which Yahoo can send a verification code. Enter your number and click "Send SMS" or "Call me" to receive the code.
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Verify your phone number
Enter the verification code you received and click "Verify."
After these steps, 2FA will be enabled for your Yahoo Mail account.
Additional tips and information
If you have more than one email account, it’s a good idea to enable 2FA on all of them to keep your personal and business information secure.
Using the Authenticator App
Some services allow you to use an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy. These apps generate time-based codes that you can use for 2FA. To set up an authenticator app, look for the option in your email service's 2FA settings and follow the specific instructions provided.
Backup methods
Most 2FA setups will provide backup methods in case you lose access to your primary 2FA method. This can include backup codes, additional email addresses, or even security questions. Be sure to set these up so you don’t get locked out of your account.
Update your security settings regularly
Security is an ongoing process. Check your email account's security settings regularly to make sure everything is up to date. Keep your phone number up to date, update your backup methods, and review any security alerts you receive.
Beware of phishing attacks
Even with 2FA, you need to be alert to phishing attacks. Be wary of emails that ask for personal information or direct you to suspicious websites. Always verify the source before clicking on any links.
Conclusion
Enabling two-factor authentication is a simple but effective way to improve the security of your email account. It only requires a few minutes of your time, but it can protect you from a variety of threats. By following the steps above for Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail, you'll add an extra layer of security that will help keep your personal information safe.
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