How to turn on two-step login

Teach: How to turn on two-step login

What to say

Two-step login means a thief needs something besides your password: a code from an authenticator app, a tap on a passkey, or a physical security key. Turn it on in each account's security settings, start with the email account that receives your password resets, and store the one-time recovery codes on paper with your important documents so a lost phone does not lock you out.

What to show, in order

1. Open the security or sign-in section of your main email account's settings.
2. Pick an authenticator app, a passkey or a security key over text message codes when you are offered a choice.
3. Scan the setup code with the app or follow the passkey prompt, then type the first code to confirm.
4. Print or write down the recovery codes and file them with your important papers.
5. Repeat for your bank, phone carrier, cloud storage and any social account you care about.
6. Sign out and back in once to make sure the second step works before you need it.

The check question

Ask: Why start with your email account? Answer: It receives the password resets for everything else

From EveryManKnows. General information, not professional advice.