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✅ Before You Start
✅ Before You Start
Have your smartphone ready.
Just like when signing into your bank, you'll receive a prompt or text message to verify it's really you accessing your district Google account.Set aside about 5 minutes.
The setup is quick — and once it's done, your account will be much more secure.
⚡ Quick Summary
⚡ Quick Summary
Turn on: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification
Recommended: Google Prompts
Add backups: Authenticator app + Backup Codes
Keep recovery info current and devices trusted only on work computers
💬 Pro Tip: MFA adds a few seconds at sign-in, but it blocks the vast majority of account takeovers. Totally worth it.
Video Walkthrough with Andrew Hyland
Video Walkthrough with Andrew Hyland
Andrew walks you through the simple steps to secure your Google account using multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Prefer to follow along on your own? Skip the video and jump straight to the step-by-step guide below.
Step By Step Guide
Step By Step Guide
🧭 Step 1: Open Security Settings
🧭 Step 1: Open Security Settings
Go to Google Account (click your profile photo → Manage your Google Account)
In the left menu, choose Security
Under How you sign in to Google, click 2-Step Verification → Get started
Sign in again if prompted, then follow the on-screen steps
💬 Pro Tip: If you see that 2-Step Verification is already on, review your second steps and add backups (below).
📲 Step 2: Choose Your Second Step (Recommended → Google Prompts)
📲 Step 2: Choose Your Second Step (Recommended → Google Prompts)
Best choice for most staff: Google Prompts
You’ll get a push notification on your phone: “Are you trying to sign in?”
Tap Yes to approve, No to block.
Works on:
Android phones signed in to your district account
iPhone with Gmail, Google, YouTube, or Google Photos signed in to your district account
💬 Pro Tip: Prompts are faster and safer than text messages, and help protect against SIM-swap scams.
🔁 Other Second-Step Options (Add at least one backup)
🔁 Other Second-Step Options (Add at least one backup)
🔐 Authenticator App (Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator)
In 2-Step Verification → Authenticator app → Set up
Scan the QR code → enter the 6-digit code to verify
Generates codes even without cell or Wi-Fi
📱 Text/Call (Backup Only)
Add a phone number for SMS or voice codes
Useful as a fallback if your phone apps aren’t available
🧾 Backup Codes (Must-Have)
In 2-Step Verification → Backup codes → Get codes
Download/print and store securely (wallet or locked drawer)
Each code can be used once—generate a new set when low
💬 Pro Tip: Aim for two second steps + backup codes. Example: Prompts + Authenticator + Backup Codes.
🛠️ Step 3: Fine-Tune Your MFA
🛠️ Step 3: Fine-Tune Your MFA
Trusted devices: Check Don’t ask again on this device on your work computer only.
App passwords (rare): Only if an older app doesn’t support MFA. Remove when no longer needed.
Recovery info: Keep your recovery phone/email up to date in Security → Ways we can verify it’s you.
💬 Pro Tip: Never select “Don’t ask again” on shared or public computers.
🚨 If You Get a Suspicious Prompt
🚨 If You Get a Suspicious Prompt
Tap No, it’s not me
Immediately change your password
Notify the Technology Department
💬 Pro Tip: MFA adds a few seconds at sign-in, but it blocks the vast majority of account takeovers. Totally worth it.
⚡ Quick Summary
⚡ Quick Summary
Turn on: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification
Recommended: Google Prompts
Add backups: Authenticator app + Backup Codes
Keep recovery info current and devices trusted only on work computers
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