Secure your Google Ads account: 2-Step Verification

Multi-factor authentication or two-step verification is designed to prevent account hijacking and unauthorised access. 2-Step Verification can help keep bad actors out, even if your password has been compromised. When you set up 2-Step Verification, you’ll sign into your account using a password and a second verification step. The second verification step can involve one of the following:

• Call
• Google Authenticator App from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store
• Google prompt on a compatible mobile device
• Security key
• Text message (SMS)

The 2-Step Verification can help ensure that potential attackers can't access your account even if they have your password.

If you don’t want to enter a 2-Step Verification code or use your security key every time that you sign in to your Google Account, you can mark your computer or mobile device as trusted and not be asked again.

Enable two-step verification

Use the following steps to enable 2-Step Verification:

1. In your Google Ads account, click the Admin icon .
2. Click Access and security.
3. In the 'Access and security' page, select the Security tab.
4. Under the 'Verification during sign-in' section, click the two-step verification drop down.
5. Click Turn on.

Tips and tools for two-step verification

Disable two-step verification (not recommended)

Google strongly encourages all advertisers to use two-step verification to log in to their accounts. Using 2-Step Verification protects your account and sensitive data from attackers, even if they have your password. If you’d prefer not to protect your account, follow the instructions below.

How to disable the two-step verification requirement in Google Ads

1. In your Google Ads account, click the Admin icon .
2. Click Access and security.
3. In the 'Access and security' page, select the Security tab.
4. Under the 'Verification during sign-in' section, click the two-step verification drop down.
5. Click Turn off.
6. Click Turn off in the pop-up window that opens.

Related links

Security hub

• Secure your Google Ads account
• Secure your Google Ads account: Best practices
• Secure your Google Ads account: The importance of HTTPS
• Secure your Google Ads account: Suspicious emails or calls claiming to be from Google Ads

Your security options

• Secure your Google Ads account: Confirm that it’s you
• Secure your Google Ads account: Allowed email domains
• Secure your Google Ads account: Manager account security mandates