Google 2-Step Verification FAQ

Have questions about why, when, and how to enroll your Hamilton Google account in 2-Step Verification? This article covers the most frequently asked questions about our 2SV requirement.

Google 2-Step Verification (2SV), or multi-factor authentication, is a security measure through which you can secure your account with a secondary verification method. When signing into a device, Google will present you with the most convenient option, and enrolling multiple verification steps will allow you to choose between them. You can add any number of the following methods to an account to secure it:

• Passkeys and Security Keys

• Google Prompt

• Authenticator

• Phone Number

• Backup Codes

Beginning the week of November 9, 2026, LITS will roll out this feature as a requirement for student and employee Google accounts on the Hamilton domain.

In This Article

• Who needs to enroll in Google 2SV?

• When do I need to enroll by?

• What happens if I don’t enroll by the deadline?

• Which verification method should I use?

• How do I set up Google 2SV?

• Where can I get further help?

Who needs to enroll in Google 2SV?

Currently, students and employees of the college (including contributing retirees) are required to enroll at least one method for 2SV. 

Sponsored accounts are not required to enroll at this time. Some sponsored accounts may be included in a future phase. If your account is affected, you will be notified in advance with your enrollment deadline.

When do I need to enroll by?

New students and employees will be prompted to set up Google 2SV at login. If you have a scheduled onboarding with the Help Desk, a professional staff member can assist with setup at that time.

For existing employees and students, LITS will begin rolling out Google 2SV the week of November 9, 2026. Students will need to complete enrollment by April 26, 2027, and faculty and staff by June 1, 2027. You will receive regular reminders to enroll, from both Hamilton and Google. 

Contributing retirees have a separate enrollment deadline, which is included in the notice sent to them by email.

What happens if I don’t enroll by the deadline?

Upon sign-in, you will see the message Contact your admin for more info, as shown below. Please reach out to the Help Desk by submitting this form, and a member of our staff will get in contact with you as soon as possible.

Which verification method should I use?

The 2SV verification method you choose is entirely up to you. LITS recommends the Google Prompt method, but we understand that may not be everyone’s preference. Here is some additional information on what to expect from each option:

Google Prompt

The Google prompt method will allow a prompt to appear on your enrolled phone, alerting you with the sign-in device and location information. This method requires a working smart phone that is up to date.

• Tap Yes to allow the sign-in.
• Tap No to block the sign-in.
  • If you receive a Google prompt from a sign-in you don't recognize, please contact the Help Desk immediately.

For iPhones, Google will send a prompt to one of the following applications: Gmail, YouTube, or the Google app. Please note you will not be able to receive YouTube prompts if you do not have at least one app installed, if you are not signed in with your Hamilton Google account, or if you have not enrolled in additional services through Google. You can opt in to additional Google services here.

For Android devices, as long as the device is signed into your Google account, the prompt will appear.

Authenticator

For the authenticator, you can enroll one of the free authenticator applications the Help Desk has verified: Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Mobile Authenticator, and Google Authenticator. These apps generate one-time verification codes that only the enrolled device and user can access.

Phone Number

If you enroll your phone number, a one-time 6-digit code can be sent to your device. Codes may either be sent through text message or phone call, depending on the settings you choose. This method requires a working phone, and standard carrier SMS rates may apply when receiving these messages.

Passkeys and Security Keys

A security key is a small physical device (like a USB drive or NFC fob) that plugs into your computer or taps your phone. It acts as a form of two-step verification by requiring you to physically touch or activate the hardware key to prove you are present, blocking remote sign-in attempts even if someone else knows your password.

For users without a mobile device, a device that cannot be set up with any of the previously mentioned methods, or if you don’t want to link your phone to your Google account, please contact the Help Desk to discuss hardware verification options.

Backup Codes

Once enrolled in Google 2SV, you will have the option to generate a set of ten one-time backup codes. Backup codes are a fallback verification method for situations where your usual method isn’t available. For example, you can use one if you lose your phone, your phone number changes, or you don’t have cell service. Each code can only be used once, and you can generate a new set at any time from your Google Account security settings.

For instructions on creating, viewing, or downloading your codes, see Google’s official support article: Sign in with backup codes.

How do I set up Google 2SV?

The enrollment process for Google 2SV is slightly different depending on which method you'd like to enroll. You may consult our Google 2SV enrollment resource here.

Where can I get further help?

If you have any further questions about Google 2SV, please open a ticket using the sidebar link.