Use this guide if you have been locked out of your Google Workspace account due to 2-Step Verification (2SV) enforcement and have received a temporary backup code from IT Support.

Prerequisites

• Your company email address and password.

• An 8-digit backup code provided by your IT Support team.

• Your mobile phone (for setting up the permanent fix).

Step 1: Log In with the Backup Code

1. Navigate to gmail.com or your usual Google login page.

2. Enter your email address and click Next.

3. Enter your password and click Next.

4. When the 2-Step Verification screen appears, click Try another way at the bottom.

5. Select Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.

6. Type the code provided by IT Support and click Next.

Step 2: Set Up a Permanent Verification Method

You are now logged in, but you are currently relying on a temporary code. You must set up your phone immediately to prevent being locked out again.

1. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account.

2. On the left navigation menu, click Security.

3. Scroll down to the "How you sign in to Google" section and click 2-Step Verification.

   Note: You may be asked to verify your password again.

4. Scroll down to Voice or text message or Authenticator app (Recommended).

5. Click on the arrow > next to your preferred method and follow the on-screen prompts to verify your phone number.

   • Voice/Text: Enter your mobile number and enter the code sent via SMS.

   • Authenticator: Scan the QR code using the Google Authenticator app on your phone.

Troubleshooting

• "Code is incorrect" error: Ensure you are typing the 8-digit code exactly. Note that backup codes are one-time use only; if you log out and try to use the same code again, it will fail.

• Cannot find "Try another way": If the login screen is asking for a security key or a prompt on a phone you don't have, look closely at the bottom of the white box for the Try another way link to switch to the code entry screen.