Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
- Google’s updated 2FA setup no longer requires a phone number by default.
- Users can set up 2FA directly with an authenticator app or hardware key, skipping SMS verification.
Google has streamlined its two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as the two-step verification (2SV) process, making it easier and more secure for users to protect their accounts.
The new, improved process gives users the option to start their 2FA setup by directly choosing more secure methods like authenticator apps or physical security keys. In the past, setting up 2FA required first providing a phone number before being able to add an authenticator app.