Google will automatically enable two-factor authentication to keep your account protected

Google account security page
Google account security page (Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Google is highlighting its password management tools on World Password Day.
  • Eligible accounts will be automatically enrolled into two-factor authentication.
  • Google hopes to stop using passwords eventually due to their insecure nature.

Google has announced that it will automatically enroll users into two-factor authentication in a move to better protect accounts. The announcement came as Google recognizes World Password Day.

In a blog post, Google stated that accounts that are "appropriately configured" will be enrolled soon, although did not elaborate on when the change will occur. With the 2FA turned on, logging into your Google account from your computer will send a prompt to any of the best Android phones that are linked to the account. You will have to confirm that it's you trying to sign in.

Enabling two-factor authentication for everyone will ensure that there's no unauthorized access to an account. Google highlights the security keys that are already built into Android devices like the Google Pixel 5, including tools it makes available for iOS users to enable the same type of security for Google accounts.

The post also points out the ways that the company has already protected users beyond just their Google account. For example, Google has rolled out improvements to its password manager to give users quick access to security checks. This will let users know whether their passwords have been compromised and even help suggest new ones.

Another feature highlight is Google's password importer, a tool that can make it easy for users to export and import their passwords between Google and any of the best password managers on Android.

Google Import Passwords

Source: Google (Image credit: Source: Google)

These three features will make it easier for users to not only manage their passwords but protect their accounts as well. Google states that it's working towards a world free of passwords, which can often be a security risk to user accounts, particularly if passwords are weak and overused. Microsoft also highlighted this flaw when it recently announced its own desire to get rid of passwords.

If you would like to protect your account before Google does it for you, we have a guide on how to enable two-factor authentication on your Google account.

Derrek Lee
News Editor

Derrek is a long-time Nokia and LG fanboy who loves astronomy, videography, and sci-fi movies. When he's not working, he's most likely working out or smoldering at the camera.

15 Comments
  • I honestly don't understand why someone would NOT want two-factor authentication for all of their apps/programs. I guess it's not important to you until you notice that charge to your credit card for a Mac Book Pro that you didn't actually purchase. That happened to me and it was life changing. LOL
  • Because it is a pain in the neck, my bank insists on it now, so I have to remember to bring my phone up with me now when i use the computer to look at my account.
  • It is a minor inconvenience, but I personally have my phone with me all the time, so I don't mind.
  • That is nice for you, but not all of us are tied to our phone.
  • Does your bank not have an app?
  • No, mine doesn't. And why would I need it to?
  • Apps are convenient except when they lack features that the site has.
  • Mine does, but sometimes it is nice to see it on a larger screen, also i can copy bits i need easier.
  • I'll give you an example. My phone and laptop were stolen in Ecuador there was no way I could login to my PayPal until I got home because both the Authenticator app and SMS codes went to the same phone + SIM combo. No such thing as Backup Codes on PayPal and they removed, to my annoyance, the Secret Answer option. I asked PayPal later and all they could suggest is you can contact us. Not sure how I'd prove I'm me.
  • I have a friend a super total utter luddite he can't even cope with passwords. Doesn't know any of his passwords (they're all stored in his Safari and Post it notes on his Mac Desktop). Although he'd of course be forced to get used to this like he does when using Online Banking.
  • Wow, even Apple doesn't force 2 factor authentication on users, Google is giving Apple ideas.
  • "appropriately configured" looks to mean you own an Android or ChromeOS device of some type. And when is "soon"?
  • I guess I won't be able to login to my account while at work...
  • What if I don't want 2FA? I find it to sometimes be counter productive. Such as like someone stated earlier if one loses a phone/computer while traveling one could be f*cked. I had this problem with an old Android phone. I went to a Verizon store, bought a new phone, logged into my Google account, and had everything working again in 2 hours. If I had 2FA I could have been in BIG trouble.
  • I don't like this, they should let me turn it off