A couple of years ago, two-factor authentication was an unheard thing for general consumers. However, in the last few years, Google has pushed 2FA a lot. Google likes to call it 2SV (Two-step Verification), and promotes it as an essential measure to further secure Google account. While Google has not made it mandatory to turn on 2FA it has encouraged its users to have an extra layer of security. The company is also constantly improving its 2FA.
Open the 2-Step Verification page and sign into your Google account. Here, click on “Get Started”.
It will show all the Android devices connected to your Google account. Here, choose your Android device for the security key. Keep in mind, you need to turn on both Bluetooth and location on the selected Android device.
Note: We tried to test this feature on multiple devices including Pixel 3 XL running Android Q beta, but it seems the feature is not live for everyone yet. It may be a phased roll-out as Google has said the feature is still in beta. However, the web settings are live and you can enable it right away.
Google Prompt uses a simple verification method where it ask the user about the sign-in request with Yes and No buttons. However, the authentication is on-screen which is not necessarily physical authentication since any automation app with right permissions can take over such a sign-in requests. This creates a security loop hole which the new physical device 2FA doesn’t have.
