You can now use Touch ID on your iPhone to sign in to your Google account anywhere

If there is one thing and only one thing that you take away from this site when it comes to online security, it should be this: enable 2-Step Verification (2FV) on every single account you have that supports it. People constantly moan and groan about how annoying it is to use password management software like 1Password and enhanced security features such as 2-Step Verification, also known as 2-Factor Authentication. Trust us when we tell you that the 10 to 15 extra seconds it takes to make use of either of those important security technologies could mean the difference between having your account hijacked and keeping all of your data secure.

And now, a big change will cut the amount of time it takes many Google users to log in with 2FV in half.

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Google has added a fantastic new option for user looking to verify 2FV.

2-Step Verification is a security measure that adds a second step to the login process on any site. First the user inputs a username and password as he or she would on any other site. But then, a second verification screen asks for a special code that is either sent to a user via email or text, or generated using an authentication app.

But now there’s a third option: With Google’s new “Google prompt” setting enabled in an account’s 2FV settings, a user will simply need to tap a “yes” button in a pop-up on his or her Android device, iPhone or iPad.

What’s more, users with an iPhone or iPad that supports Touch ID can use their fingerprints to authenticate. Simply install the Google app on your device and you’re all set once you enable the new Google prompt option.

Whether you have an Android phone or an iOS device, setting up Google prompt couldn’t be easier:

Visit https://myaccount.google.com
In the first box, click “Signing in to Google”
Click the 2-Step Verification box
Under “Set up second step” (or “Set up alternative second step” if you already have 2FV enabled) click on the Google prompt option

Then just follow the on-screen instructions and you’ll be off and running in no time.

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Google

Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 15 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.