How to check that you have successfully enrolled in Google 2-Step Verification

Overview

Binghamton University requires 2-Step Verification for Binghamton's Google Workspace including your Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Chat, Meet, and other Google apps.  This is not the same as Two-Factor Authentication that is required for things like myBinghamton, Brightspace, or BUBrain as those areas use a single-sign-on (SSO) system called Central Authentication Service (CAS).  Follow this link to Google's instructions for setting up your Google 2-Step Verification.

Access "Manage your Google Account"

If you are not sure if you've successfully enrolled in Google 2-Step verification, you can find out by accessing your Google Account on the web or by clicking on the circle with your photo or initial in the upper right corner of the screen.  If you are already logged in, first verify you are in your @binghamton.edu account and not a different one. If in a different account or not logged in at all, make sure to switch accounts or log in to your Binghamton University account.  The first image illustrates this on a desktop and next two images show doing this on a mobile device.

1. Select "Manage Your Google Account." 
    
2. Select the "Security & sign-in" heading on the left from a computer or select "Security & sign-in" on a mobile device.
    
3. Scroll down to the "How you sign into Google" section and make sure that 2-Step Verification is set to "On." If it is set to "Off," click on "2-Step Verification" to begin adding a second step and then turning 2-Step Verification "On".

This is the view of the same screen in the Google Account settings screen on a mobile device:

IMPORTANT: Once you have enrolled your desired second step or steps (such as a phone number, passkey, prompt or authenticator app), you must click the back arrow to the left of the heading and return to the previous page so you can click the blue "Turn on 2-Step Verification" button and see the confirmation screen indicating "You're now protected with 2-Step Verification" and the "Done" button. If you have created second steps but have not turned on 2-Step Verification you might get locked out of your account.

Troubleshooting

• If during any of these steps, you are asked to log in and see this message: "Google Couldn't Sign you in. Your sign-in settings don’t meet your organization’s 2-Step Verification policy. Contact your admin for more info" then that means that you did not enroll in 2-Step Verification.
  • To fix this, you can request a backup code from the self-service password reset page by following these instructions.
  • You can also submit a ticket to the Information Technology Services Help Desk for assistance getting signed into your account. You may also call them at 607-777-6420 or speak to them in person in the Tech Hub. 
• If you only access your Binghamton email from one device such as a phone, you may not see the prompt for the 2-Step Verification until you need to access your account from another device or service.