Signing In To Your Google Account Just Got More Secure

When you sign in to your Google account using a new device, you should be used to seeing a splash screen on one of your devices asking if it’s you trying to sign in. This is a pretty good way to keep your accounts secure, but Google has a way to make signing in more secure.

Nowadays, it’s all about 2FA (2-Factor Authentication). This requires you to go through multiple steps of authentication if you want to sign in to a service. Many of us use authenticator apps that give us a six-digit code. As for Google, if you sign in to an unrecognized device, you’ll need to press the Yes, it’s me button on one of your devices. Sometimes, you’ll need to tap on the number that Google shows you.

However, Signing in to Google will get even more secure

This is something that seems to be coming to people gradually. As discovered in version 25.02.34 of Google Play Services, there’s another level of authentication that you have to go through if you want to sign in to your account.

Just like usual, you’ll get the popup asking if it’s really you trying to sign in. However, after you tap the Yes, it’s me button, you’ll then see a prompt to scan your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern. You’ll also be able to use your passkeys.

While this does add an additional step to logging in to your account, you can’t argue with extra security. If someone tries to log in to your Google account using one of your phones, they’ll need to either have their fingerprint stored in your phone or know your PIN. It’s just another thing that makes your Android phone that much more secure.

Since it popped up in the latest version of Google Play Services, it’s not a server-side update. So, you should be able to use it when you update Google Play Services.