How to turn off Gmail 2FA

In addition to creating a strong password, the best way to secure your Gmail account and the sensitive data in it is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

Although not recommended, you may need to turn it off temporarily. Here’s how to do it through your smartphone, a handy Chromebook, or a laptop.

What happens after turning off Gmail 2FA?

With two-factor authentication deactivated, you only need your email and password to sign in to Gmail on any device.

You don’t get Google prompts on devices that you aren’t currently signed in to. The only way you’ll know when someone signs in to your account is through a Google security alert email.

Turning off two-factor authentication for your Gmail account doesn’t automatically make it vulnerable to hackers.

Your account might remain safe if you’re strategic with creating passwords and make it harder for your account’s password to become compromised.

What if someone learns your password, or you get tricked by a phishing scam? You put your Google account at risk.

Gmail is tied to your Google account, meaning changes to your security settings affect other Google services you use.

Anyone who knows your password can access your Google Photos, Calendar, Drive, Docs, and other apps without needing a second authentication method.

A Google passkey can help, but it doesn’t prevent unauthorized sign-ins when someone knows your password. It’s safer to have 2FA as a backup.

Should you deactivate 2FA on your Google account if your phone is lost or stolen?

It might be tempting to turn off 2FA if one of your verification methods has been compromised, such as if your primary device containing your phone number has been lost or stolen.

But it is better to wait before turning off 2FA on your account completely.

Instead, you can use options like signing out of your device via your Google account on your computer or another device, erasing that device from your account, and then changing your account password.

Use backup and recovery methods if you suspect your account has already been tampered with.

Another recommendation: If your device is lost, use the remote lock feature in Google Find Hub from a computer.

Credit: Google

The caveat is that it requires activating the remote lock setting, having a screen lock, an activated SIM card, a verified phone number, and being connected to the internet (unless you have offline remote locking enabled) on that lost device beforehand.

However, using it ensures you can protect your data.

If you’re incredibly unlucky and have had your primary phone stolen, make sure to contact your mobile carrier to have your SIM card blocked.

How to turn off Gmail two-step verification on Android and iOS

Gmail’s 2FA is linked to your Google account security settings, which you can access through any Google app or web browser.

Android users can access the Google account settings in multiple ways, and iOS users can access them through the Gmail app.

Follow the steps below:

1. Open Gmail on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Manage your Google Account.
   

   
4. Select Security & sign-in from the menu under your Google account.
5. In the How you sign in to Google section, tap 2-Step Verification.
   

   

6. Confirm your password or passkey on the next page if required.
7. Tap Turn off 2-Step verification, and tap Turn Off again to confirm your choice.
   

   

How to turn off Gmail 2FA using a computer

Deactivating your Google account’s two-step verification on a computer isn’t much different from doing so on a smartphone. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Visit myaccount.google.com in your favorite browser and sign in.
2. Click Security in the left navigation pane.
3. Select 2-Step Verification under the How you sign in to Google section.
   

4. Click Turn off 2-Step Verification.
   

5. Select Turn Off again to confirm your choice.
   

Turn on 2FA again to secure your Gmail account

Deactivating 2FA may make logging in to your Gmail account more straightforward, but it isn’t risk-free.

Turning off 2FA verification also makes it easier for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your account.

It’s best to disable this security feature for only short periods.

Turning on two-factor authentication is just as easy. It also ensures your account is more secure, unless you manually turn this feature off again.

Even with 2FA enabled, remain vigilant against fake 2FA prompts and change your password occasionally.