When you sign in to your Google Account, you can tap a notification on your phone to confirm it’s you.
You can use Google prompts to sign in:
- With your phone instead of a password
- In addition to your password when you turn on 2-Step Verification
- When you try to recover your account
Even if you haven’t turned either of these settings on, Google might also ask you to tap a notification to help confirm it’s you signing in.
You can get Google prompts on any eligible phone that’s signed in to your Google Account.
If your phone is eligible, Google will automatically try to use Bluetooth for additional protection when you sign in to new devices. We use Bluetooth to help block suspicious sign-in attempts from devices that aren’t physically close to your phone.
Step 1: Check phone compatibility
To get Google prompts, you need:
- An iPhone 5S and up.
- The Gmail app
, YouTube app , Google app , Photos app , Ad Words app, or the Smart Lock app .
Step 2: Sign in to a Google app
On your iPhone or iPad, sign in to the Gmail app 
, YouTube app 
, Google app 
, Photos app 
, Ad Words app, or the Smart Lock app 
.
Tip: If you're already signed in to one of these apps, you don't need to download another one.
Step 3: Turn on Google prompts
Select an option:
- Use your phone to sign in instead of a password.
- Use them as your second step for 2-Step Verification.
Important: If you sign in to another compatible phone, you automatically get Google prompts on that device until you sign out.
Step 4: Turn on push notifications
You can use prompts faster when you tap push notifications instead of opening the Gmail app , YouTube app , Google app , Photos app , Ad Words app, or the Smart Lock app .
Set up notifications
The first time you get a prompt, it will ask whether to turn on notifications. To turn on notifications, tap Turn on or follow the instructions below.
- On your iPhone, open your Settings.
- Tap Notifications.
- Choose the Gmail app , YouTube app , Google app , Photos app , Ad Words app, or the Smart Lock app .
- Turn on Allow Notifications.
How Google prompts help protect your account
We recommend Google prompts instead of text message (SMS) verification codes to:
- Avoid phone number-based account hacking. Hackers may try to steal verification codes to help them break into accounts. Google prompts help protect against this method of account hacking by sending them more securely to only your signed in devices.
- Get more info about sign-in attempts. To help you spot suspicious activity, Google prompts give you info about the device, location, and time of the sign-in attempt.
- Block suspicious activity. If you didn’t try to sign in to your account, tap No on the notification to secure your account.
Use recommended devices & security features
If you need to sign in on a phone that isn’t yours, sign in from a private browser window. To sign out, close all private browser windows when you finish.
To help prevent others from using your device, use a passcode with your phone.
Fix problems
You got a prompt but did not sign in
If you did not try to sign in but got a prompt, someone may have tried to sign in without your permission.
On the "Trying to sign in?" prompt, tap No.
If we notice something different about how you sign in, like your location, we may ask you to take extra steps to confirm it's you. For instance, you might need to match a number shown on your computer screen with one on your phone screen.
Important: To get prompts, make sure your phone is connected to the internet. You need Wi-Fi or cellular data turned on to get prompts.
If you try to sign in and don't get a prompt:
- On the sign-in screen, tap Resend.
- Confirm that you're signed in to your Google Account. Follow these steps, then try to sign in again.
- On your iPhone, open the Gmail app , YouTube app , Google app , Photos app , Ad Words app, or the Smart Lock app .
- At the bottom, tap Sign in.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
- On your iPhone, open the Gmail app
You don't get a prompt notification
Turn on notifications for the Gmail app , YouTube app , Google app , Photos app , Ad Words app, or the Smart Lock app .
You get a "Request Expired" message
If your phone shows an expired or timed out prompt, there was an unsuccessful attempt to sign in to your Google Account.
If you did try to sign in to your account:
- On the sign-in screen, tap Resend.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your Google Account.
If you didn't try to sign in to your Google Account:
- Review sign in activity in your Google Account.
- If someone else tried to access your account without permission, we recommend you change your password.
Your phone isn't nearby or you can't use it
You might need to sign in a different way, like when:
- You don't have your phone.
- Your phone isn’t charged.
- Your phone is offline.
If you sign in with Google prompts instead of a password, you need to use your password instead.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap Use password or other options.
- Choose one of the options.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
If you use Google prompts for 2-Step Verification, try to sign in by following these steps:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap Try another way.
- Choose one of the options, and follow the on-screen steps.
Tip: The text in step 2 might be slightly different. The text may say, “I can’t do this,” or another message.
Sign out on a device you no longer use.
To recover your account:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap I don’t have my phone.
- Choose one of the options, and follow the on-screen steps.
Tip: If you use 2-Step Verification, set up backup methods to help avoid getting locked out of your account.
You can get Google prompts on any eligible phone that’s signed in to your Google Account.
Related resources
Need more help?
Try these next steps:
Protect Your Identity Online
Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.
