Log in more securely on iOS with an Android device: this is how it works

Do you have an iPad (or iPhone) and an Android smartphone? Then you can log in to Gmail, Drive and other Google services a lot more securely from now on. That is how it works.

Using Google 2FA on iOS: 5 steps to log in more securely

Last April, Google announced Smart Lock, a technique that makes logging into Google services – such as Gmail, Drive and YouTube – more secure. You not only enter a password, but you also have to confirm on your Android phone that you actually want to log in. This form of login is known as two-step verification, or 2FA.

This is a long word, but it makes it harder for a malicious person to access your data. Initially, the new login method only worked on Windows 10, Chrome OS and macOS, but iOS will be added from today. This means that from now on you can also log in with your iPhone and iPad.

Google 2FA for iOS works like this:

1. Make sure you are logged into your Google account on Android smartphone;
2. On your computer, go to the Google website and turn on ‘Two-step verification’;
3. Scroll down, add a security key and choose your Android smartphone from the list of devices;
4. Make sure you are logged into your Google account on your iPhone or iPad, or add it in the settings under ‘Passwords and accounts’ if you haven’t already;
5. Turn on bluetooth on your iOS and Android device.

When you log in to your Google account on your iPhone or iPad, you will receive a notification on your Android smartphone. Then press the blue button to confirm that you want to register, or press and hold the volume button. In addition, from now on you will receive an email as soon as you have logged in to a Google service. That way you can check that you have not been secretly hacked.

Safe online

Google plans to bring this new form of security to more apps in the future. The announcement of the news is striking because Apple’s new way of signing in, Sign in with Apple, is also a lot more secure than just entering a good password. Do you want to know more about online safety? Then read all about two-step verification, or check out the tips below to secure your Apple devices.

• Apple gives hackers special iPhones to check iOS security (23-12-2020)
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• Secure your Twitter account with two-factor authentication: that’s how it works (7/26/2020)
• Tip: Make your Mac’s hard drive (Book) more secure with FileVault (7/19/2020)
• Make your Apple device more secure with two-factor authentication – that’s how it works (6/27/2020)