# Instructions for enabling and using 2-Step Verification on your Google account
### How do I turn on 2-Step Verification?
When you enable 2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication, 2FA, or MFA), you add an extra layer of security to your account. You sign in with something you **know** (your password) and something you **have** (like a code sent to your phone).
To set up 2-Step Verification:
1. Go to your Google Account's [2-Step Verification page](https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification/enroll-welcome?rapt=AEjHL4NXNOj3Dey1iiKoHIsgxSwhNcj219Uz7BBF9fMRG8qB3t6bUuzelTLqJ7G0hxPmeV-HZ6ZHiEk_H56HegzQmT_YJaALPQ). You will be prompted to sign in to your ULUSD Google Account.
2. Click Get started.
3. Follow the quick step-by-step setup process to use your phone, or select "Show more options" to select an alternate method.
### How do I sign in with 2-Step Verification?
Signing in with 2-Step Verification is easy.
- Go to the sign-in page of your mail or any other ULUSD Google application that employs Google Single Sign-On, and enter your username and password like you normally do.
- Every 30 days (or every time you try logging in on a new device), you’ll be sent a push notification to your phone, asked for a six-digit code (also sent to your phone), or prompted to insert a backup code, depending on which option you chose during initial set-up. If you want, when you enter your verification, you can choose to trust your computer -- this means you won't be asked for a code again when you sign in from this computer. If you sign in from another computer, however, you’ll be asked for your 2nd form of verification.
## Alternate Methods
### What if I don't want to use my phone?
Don’t want to use your phone? No problem. You can sign in using [backup codes (instructions)](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&ref_topic=7189145).