You can turn off two-step verification in Gmail through your Google Account settings in about two minutes
Two-step verification adds a second security check when you sign in — usually a code from your phone or a security key. If you want to remove this requirement, you go to your Google Account page, find the Security section, and turn off the feature. Google will ask you to confirm your password before the change takes effect. Once you disable it, you'll sign in with just your password on your next login.
Turning off two-step verification makes your account less secure, since a password alone is easier to compromise than a password plus a second factor. Most security experts recommend keeping it on, especially if you use Gmail for work or store sensitive information there. But the choice is yours.
Key Takeaways
- You disable two-step verification from your Google Account security settings, not from Gmail itself.
- Google requires you to enter your password again before removing two-step verification, as a safety check.
- After you turn it off, your next sign-in will only need your password — no code or security key.
- Removing two-step verification reduces your account security and makes it more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Step-by-step: How to turn off two-step verification
Start by going to myaccount.google.com in your web browser. Sign in with the Gmail account you want to change. Once you're logged in, look for the left sidebar menu and click Security.
Scroll down until you see Two-Step Verification. It will show a status — either "On" or "Off". If it's already off, you're done. If it's on, click on that section to expand it, then click the button that says Turn off. Google will ask you to confirm your password one more time. Type it in and click Confirm. The feature is now disabled.
You don't need to do anything else. The next time you sign into Gmail, you'll only need your password. Any codes you were using from an authenticator app or text message won't be needed anymore.
What happens to your backup codes and authenticator apps
If you set up backup codes when you turned on two-step verification, those codes stop working as soon as you disable the feature. You don't need to delete them manually — they simply become inactive. If you ever turn two-step verification back on in the future, you'll get a new set of backup codes.
The same applies to any authenticator apps you were using, like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy. Those apps won't generate codes for your Gmail account anymore. You can leave the apps installed on your phone or delete them — it doesn't matter either way.
Why you might want to keep two-step verification on instead
Two-step verification stops most account takeovers because a hacker needs both your password and access to your phone or security key. Without it, someone who guesses or steals your password can get into your account immediately. If your Gmail is connected to other services — banking, work email, social media — a compromised Gmail account can lead to much bigger problems.
If you're turning off two-step verification because you lost access to your phone or security key, there's a better option: go back to the Security section and update your recovery method instead. You can add a new phone number, a backup email address, or a different security key. This keeps your account protected without locking you out.
If you can't access your account to turn off two-step verification
If you've lost your phone or security key and can't sign in to disable two-step verification, you'll need to use your backup codes or recovery options. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and follow the steps to recover your account. Google will ask you security questions or send a recovery code to your backup email address.
Once you've regained access, you can then disable two-step verification through your security settings. If you don't have backup codes and can't access your recovery email, the process takes longer — Google may ask you to verify your identity in other ways before letting you back in.
Turning two-step verification back on later
If you change your mind after disabling two-step verification, you can turn it back on anytime. Go to myaccount.google.com, click Security, find Two-Step Verification, and click Turn on. Google will walk you through the setup process again, including choosing whether you want codes by text message, a phone call, or an authenticator app.
You'll also get a new set of backup codes. Save these somewhere safe — they're the only way to sign in if you lose access to your phone or security key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling two-step verification sign me out of Gmail on my phone or computer?
No. Devices you've already signed into will stay signed in. Disabling two-step verification only affects new sign-ins going forward. If you sign out and try to sign back in, you'll only need your password.
Can I turn off two-step verification for just one device?
No. Two-step verification is an account-wide setting — it's either on or off for your entire Gmail account. You can't disable it for one device and keep it on for others. If you want to use Gmail on a device that doesn't support two-step verification, you'll need to turn it off completely or create an app password for that device.
What's an app password, and is it different from disabling two-step verification?
An app password is a separate, randomly generated password that some older apps or devices can use to sign into your Gmail while two-step verification stays on. It's more secure than turning off two-step verification entirely because your main password and two-step verification still protect your account. You can create app passwords in the same Security section where you manage two-step verification.
If I disable two-step verification, will Google notify me?
Yes. Google sends a notification email to your Gmail address whenever your security settings change, including when you disable two-step verification. If you see a notification you didn't authorize, you can turn two-step verification back on immediately and change your password.