How to use your Android phone as a security key for your Google account

Ben Schoon | Apr 11 2019 - 12:28 pm PT

It’s not easy to keep our online lives secure, but Google is working to take some of the hassles out of it. Recently, the company announced that it would let users turn any Android Nougat smartphone into a security key for their Google account. Here’s how to do just that.

What’s required to use your Android phone as a security key

There are a few basic requirements for using your phone as a security key. The bigger stipulation, though, is that this only works for your Google account. While physical security keys can often be used for other services, this method only works for your Google account. With that in mind, here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Android phone running 7.0 Nougat or higher
Windows, Chrome OS, or Mac computer w/ Bluetooth and Google Chrome

How to use your Android phone as a security key on Google

Access your Google Account
Turn on 2-step Verification
Add a Security Key and enable your phone
Ensure Bluetooth & Location settings are enabled

1. Access your Google Account

The first thing you’ll need to do is access your Google account. To do that, head to your Windows, Mac, or Chrome OS computer and open Google Chrome. Technically, any browser can be used for this part, but Chrome is the only one that currently supports security keys baked into smartphones.

Once on your computer, head to myaccount.google.com/security.

2. Activate 2-step Verification

Next, you’ll need to enable 2-step verification on your account. To do this, you’ll need to add a primary verification method. This can be a code sent to a phone number via SMS, or another method such as Google Prompt.

3. Add your phone as a Security Key

After 2-step Verification has been turned on, you can add your smartphone as a security key. To do this, you’ll need to scroll down on the page to the section titled Set up alternative second step and hit Add Security Key. From there, you should see a list of compatible Android devices which are attached to your account. Once you’ve selected the correct device, you’ll be prompted to add that Android phone as a security key.

4. Ensure Bluetooth & Location are enabled

Once added, the only thing you’ll need to do on your phone is to ensure Bluetooth and Location settings are turned on. While your phone and computer won’t need to be paired, Google needs these settings enabled to ensure that the two pieces of hardware are in close proximity to one another. Whenever you sign in, a prompt will appear on your phone that asks you to hold down the volume button to confirm your identity.