Turning off two-step verification removes a security layer from your Google account

Two-step verification adds a second checkpoint when you sign in — usually a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. Turning it off means you'll only need your password to access your account. Google will walk you through the process in your account settings, and it takes about five minutes.

Before you disable it, understand that your account becomes easier to break into if someone learns your password. Two-step verification protects your email, Google Drive files, YouTube channel, and any other Google service linked to that account. If you're disabling it because you lost access to your phone or authenticator app, there's a faster path that doesn't leave you unprotected — see the section on regaining access instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You turn off two-step verification in your Google Account settings under Security, not in Gmail or any other individual app.
  • Google will ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone number before the setting changes.
  • If you've lost the phone or app that generates your codes, you can use backup codes or your recovery email to regain access without fully disabling two-step verification.
  • Turning off two-step verification is permanent until you turn it back on — there's no waiting period or reversal window.

Access your Google Account security settings

Go to myaccount.google.com in your browser. If you're not signed in, sign in with your email and password. Once you're on your account page, look for the left sidebar menu and click Security. This takes you to all the security settings for your Google account.

Scroll down until you see a section labeled How you sign in to Google. Under that heading, you'll see 2-Step Verification listed. If it shows a green checkmark or says "On," that means two-step verification is currently active on your account.

Start the process to disable two-step verification

Click on the 2-Step Verification row. Google opens a panel showing your current setup — it will display which phone number or authenticator app is registered. At the bottom of this panel, you'll see a button that says Disable or Turn off. Click it.

Google will ask you to confirm your identity before making this change. You'll see a prompt asking you to enter a verification code. This code is sent to either your recovery email address or your registered phone number — Google shows you which one it's using. Check that email inbox or text messages for a six-digit code, then enter it in the box on the screen.

Confirm the code and complete the removal

Type the six-digit code into the field Google provides and click Verify or Confirm. Google processes the code — this usually takes a few seconds. Once the code is accepted, you'll see a message confirming that two-step verification has been turned off.

Your account is now set to sign in with only your password. The next time you sign into Google on any device, you won't be asked for a verification code. If you ever want to turn two-step verification back on, you can return to this same Security page and click 2-Step Verification again.

If you can't receive the confirmation code

If Google sends a code to your phone but you no longer have that phone, or sends it to an email you can't access, you have other options. On the verification code screen, look for a link that says Can't access your phone? or Try another way. Click it.

Google shows you backup options. If you saved backup codes when you first set up two-step verification, you can enter one of those eight-digit codes instead of the six-digit code. If you don't have backup codes, Google may let you verify using your recovery email or a recovery phone number you set up earlier. Choose whichever option you still have access to.

If none of those work, you may need to recover your account using Google's account recovery process. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and follow the steps to prove you own the account. This process can take longer and may require you to answer security questions or provide other proof of ownership.

What to do if you lost your authenticator app or phone

If you're trying to disable two-step verification because you lost the phone or app that generates your codes, stopping here and fully disabling two-step verification leaves your account vulnerable. Instead, use your backup codes or recovery email to regain access to your authenticator settings, then remove just that one device and set up a new one.

Sign into your account using your password plus a backup code (if you have one saved). Once you're in, go back to Security and click 2-Step Verification. Instead of clicking Disable, look for an option to Update your phone or Change authenticator app. This lets you register a new device without turning off two-step verification entirely. You keep the protection but swap out the lost device for one you can access now.

Turning two-step verification back on later

If you disable two-step verification and later decide you want it back, the process is straightforward. Return to myaccount.google.com, click Security, then click 2-Step Verification. You'll see an Enable or Turn on button. Click it and follow the prompts to register your phone number or authenticator app again.

Google will send you new backup codes when you re-enable two-step verification. Save these codes somewhere safe — they're your backup way to sign in if you lose access to your phone or app. You can store them in a password manager, write them down and keep them in a secure place, or take a screenshot and store it somewhere encrypted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling two-step verification sign me out of other devices?

No. Disabling two-step verification doesn't sign you out of any device where you're already signed in. It only affects new sign-ins going forward — the next time you sign in on a new device or browser, you'll only need your password.

Can I disable two-step verification on just one device?

No. Two-step verification is an account-wide setting, not a per-device setting. When you disable it, it's off for all devices. If you want to remove just one phone or app from your two-step setup, go to Security, click 2-Step Verification, and look for an option to remove that specific device while keeping two-step verification on.

What are backup codes and should I save them?

Backup codes are eight-digit codes Google gives you when you set up two-step verification. You can use one instead of a verification code if you lose access to your phone or app. Yes, save them — write them down, store them in a password manager, or keep them somewhere secure. They're your emergency access if your primary two-step method stops working.

If I disable two-step verification, can someone else turn it back on?

Only if they have your password. Turning two-step verification on or off requires signing into your account. If someone knows your password, they can change this setting, which is why a strong, unique password matters more when two-step verification is off.