Find out how easy it is to sign in to your Google account with the Smart Lock app on iPhone without the need for two-factor authentication codes.
The Google Smart Lock app for iOS can use your iPhone as a security key to lock your Google account and provide additional security beyond two-factor authentication. Instead of relying on 2FA codes from text messages, an authenticator app, or a phone call, you can use your iPhone to allow access to Google accounts when you first sign in.
This solution works much like physical security keys can now be added to iCloud accounts, except instead of having to purchase an additional key to use, you can use your iPhone instead.
SEE: Further protect your Apple devices with these tips to remember when changing your Apple ID password.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to set up this Smart Lock app and use it to lock your Google account’s 2FA support.
How to set up the Google Smart Lock app for iOS
The first step in setting it up is to download the Google Smart Lock app from the App Store.
Once you have downloaded this app, open it and sign in with your Google account. You will also be asked to enable push notifications. Be sure to do this, as this is how you will be notified to accept the login attempt.
Next, you’ll need to set up the security key in your Google account by doing the following:
- Go to myaccount.google.com.
- Select Security | 2-step verification.
- Select Security keys.
- Select Add security key.
- Select your iOS device with which you signed in to the Google Smart Lock app, then Go ahead and follow the prompts (Figure A).
Figure A
With some devices, this setting is done automatically. If your device is already listed under the Security Keys section, then there is nothing else you need to do.
How the Google Smart Lock app for iOS works
Once the Google Smart Lock app has been signed into your Google account, you will no longer receive text messages, phone calls, or have to type a 2FA code from your code generator. Instead, when you sign in with your Google account, you’ll get a push notification on your iPhone asking if you want to complete sign-in (Figure B).
Figure B
Just tap the notification and agree, and your login attempt will be approved without entering any additional 2FA information (Figure C).
Figure C
You can complete sign-in this way because Google has trusted your device and has Face ID or Touch ID set up, which protects you from unapproved sign-in attempts.
For people who are new to 2FA, Google Smart Lock can greatly improve adoption. Additionally, you can make enterprise organizations that support Google for Workplaces more secure by requiring this app to be enabled.
To learn more about how Google Smart Lock works, visit Google’s documentation for Google Smart Lock.
