How to Enable Two‑Step Authentication on Gmail

Gmail is one of the most widely used email services in the world, and protecting your account is crucial. Passwords alone are not enough to keep hackers out. By enabling two‑step authentication (2FA), also known as 2‑Step Verification, you add an extra layer of security to your account. This guide shows you how to set it up quickly and effectively.

How to Enable Two‑Step Authentication on Desktop

1. Sign in to your Google Account at myaccount.google.com.

2. Go to the Security tab in the left menu.

3. Under “How you sign in to Google”, select 2‑Step Verification.

4. Click Get Started and enter your password.

5. Choose a verification method:

   • Google Prompt – a push notification sent to your phone.

   • Text message or voice call – a code sent to your phone number.

   • Authenticator app – generates time‑based codes.

   • Security key – a physical device for verification.

6. Follow the on‑screen instructions to complete setup.

How to Enable Two‑Step Authentication on Android

1. Open Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account.

2. Tap Security.

3. Under Signing in to Google, select 2‑Step Verification.

4. Follow the prompts to enable and choose your preferred method.

How to Enable Two‑Step Authentication on iPhone

1. Open the Gmail app (or Google app, YouTube, or Google Photos).

2. Tap your profile picture → Manage your Google Account.

3. Go to Security → 2‑Step Verification.

4. Follow the steps to activate and select a verification method.

Why You Should Enable Two‑Step Authentication

• Enhanced security: Protects against stolen or weak passwords.

• Multiple verification options: Choose SMS, app, or hardware keys.

• Protection against phishing: Prevents unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

Common Issues & Tips

• Work or school accounts: Admins may restrict 2FA setup. Contact your IT administrator if you can’t enable it.

• Lost device: Always set up backup codes or a secondary method to avoid lockout.

• New phone number: Google may take up to 7 days to fully trust a new number.

Enabling two‑step authentication on Gmail is one of the most effective ways to secure your email account. With options like Google Prompts, SMS codes, authenticator apps, or security keys, you can choose the method that best fits your needs while ensuring your Gmail remains protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two‑step authentication mandatory for Gmail?

No, it’s optional, but highly recommended for better account security.

Can I use two‑step authentication without a phone number?

Yes, you can use an authenticator app or a physical security key instead of SMS codes.

Does two‑step authentication slow down login?

It adds only a few seconds to the login process while greatly improving security.

Can I disable two‑step authentication later?

Yes, you can turn it off anytime in your Google Account security settings, though it’s not recommended.

Hidden Google Maps Features You Should Know

Google Maps has become one of the most widely used navigation apps in the world, helping millions of people find directions, discover nearby places and plan journeys with ease. While many users rely on it for basic navigation, the app includes several useful features that often go unnoticed.

From saving maps for offline use to sharing your live location with family and friends, Google Maps offers tools that can make travelling, commuting and exploring new places much easier. Whether you use the app every day or only when travelling, understanding these hidden features can help you get more out of Google Maps.

Offline Maps

One of the most useful Google Maps features is the ability to download maps for offline use. This allows you to continue navigating even when you lose your internet connection or travel to areas with poor network coverage.

To download an offline map:

• Open Google Maps.
• Tap your profile picture.
• Select Offline maps.
• Tap Select your own map.
• Choose the area you want to save.
• Tap Download.

Offline maps are especially useful when travelling or visiting remote locations where mobile data may not be available.

Live Location Sharing

Google Maps allows you to share your real-time location with trusted contacts for a specific period or until you choose to stop sharing.

This feature is useful when:

• Meeting friends or family.
• Travelling alone.
• Letting someone monitor your journey for safety.

To use it:

• Tap your profile picture.
• Select Location sharing.
• Choose how long you want to share your location.
• Select the contact.

Only people you choose can view your live location.

Save Your Parking Location

If you often forget where you parked your vehicle, Google Maps can help.

After parking:

• Open Google Maps.
• Tap the blue dot showing your location.
• Select Save parking.

The app will remember where your vehicle is parked, making it easier to find later.

Create Lists of Favourite Places

Google Maps lets you organise locations into custom lists.

You can create lists for:

• Favourite restaurants.
• Tourist attractions.
• Shopping centres.
• Weekend destinations.
• Places you want to visit.

Simply open a location, tap Save, then choose an existing list or create a new one.

This makes trip planning much more organised.

Explore Nearby Places

Instead of searching manually, Google Maps can recommend nearby businesses and attractions based on your location.

You can quickly find:

• Restaurants.
• Petrol stations.
• Hospitals.
• Hotels.
• Pharmacies.
• ATMs.
• Cafés.
• Supermarkets.

This feature is particularly helpful when visiting unfamiliar cities.

Measure Distance Between Two Points

Google Maps includes a built-in tool for measuring the distance between locations.

To use it:

• Press and hold a location to drop a pin.
• Open the location details.
• Select Measure distance.
• Move the map to add another point.

This feature is useful for planning walks, hikes or estimating distances between locations.

Incognito Mode

If you do not want your searches or navigation activity to be linked to your Google Account temporarily, Google Maps includes an Incognito Mode.

When enabled, the app will not save your searches, destinations or navigation history to your Google Account while the mode is active.

To turn it on:

• Open Google Maps.
• Tap your profile picture.
• Select Turn on Incognito mode.

You can switch it off at any time by following the same steps.

Check Live Traffic Conditions

Before leaving for work or beginning a long journey, Google Maps allows you to view live traffic conditions.

Roads are colour-coded to show traffic flow:

• Green indicates free-flowing traffic.
• Orange indicates moderate traffic.
• Red indicates heavy traffic.
• Dark red indicates very slow-moving traffic.

This feature helps drivers choose faster routes and avoid traffic congestion where possible.

Search Along Your Route

Google Maps allows you to search for places without leaving your current navigation.

For example, while driving you can search for:

• Petrol stations.
• Restaurants.
• Cafés.
• Pharmacies.
• ATMs.
• Convenience stores.

The app displays nearby options that require only a small detour before returning you to your original route.

Street View

Street View provides panoramic images of many roads and locations around the world.

It allows users to:

• Preview destinations before arriving.
• Identify buildings and landmarks.
• Explore unfamiliar areas virtually.
• Confirm entrances to businesses or hotels.

Street View is available in many countries and continues to expand as Google updates its imagery.

Timeline

Timeline helps users review places they have visited, provided Location History is enabled on their Google Account.

You can use it to:

• Remember previous trips.
• Check travel history.
• Find locations visited in the past.

Timeline data can also be managed or deleted through your Google Account privacy settings.

Live View for Walking Directions

In supported areas, Google Maps offers Live View, an augmented reality feature designed for pedestrians.

Instead of relying only on the traditional map, Live View overlays arrows and navigation instructions on your phone's camera view to help you determine the correct direction.

This feature can be especially useful when navigating busy streets or unfamiliar cities.

Save Your Home and Work Addresses

Adding your Home and Work addresses makes navigation much faster.

Once saved, you can receive directions with a single tap and quickly estimate travel times without entering the addresses repeatedly.

This also improves route suggestions during daily commuting.

View Public Transport Information

For cities where public transport information is available, Google Maps provides details about:

• Bus routes.
• Train services.
• Metro lines.
• Estimated departure and arrival times.
• Walking directions to stations.

This makes it easier to plan journeys using public transportation instead of driving.

Modern navigation is no longer limited to getting from one place to another. Google Maps includes several practical tools that can simplify everyday travel, help users discover new places and improve overall navigation. Exploring these lesser-known features can help you use the app more effectively, whether you're commuting, travelling or planning your next trip.

How To Set Up Passkeys on Your Google Account

Passwords have protected online accounts for years, but they also come with risks. Weak passwords can be guessed, reused across multiple websites or stolen through phishing attacks. To improve account security, Google now allows users to sign in using passkeys instead of traditional passwords.

A passkey is a more secure way to access your Google Account. Instead of entering a password, you can sign in using your phone's fingerprint, face recognition, screen lock or another trusted device. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your account.

If you'd like to make your Google Account more secure, here's how to set up and use passkeys.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is a digital credential stored on your device that replaces your password during sign-in. It works with your device's built-in security features, such as:

• Fingerprint recognition
• Face recognition
• PIN
• Screen lock

Unlike passwords, passkeys cannot be guessed or stolen through fake login pages, making them one of the safest ways to protect your account.

Why Use a Passkey?

Setting up a passkey offers several benefits:

• Stronger protection against hackers
• Protection from phishing attacks
• Faster sign-in
• No need to remember complex passwords
• Better overall account security

Before You Begin

Before creating a passkey, make sure:

• You have a Google Account.
• Your phone or computer supports screen lock, fingerprint or face recognition.
• Your device software is up to date.
• Screen lock is enabled on your device.

How To Set Up a Passkey

Follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and sign in to your Google Account.
2. Go to your Google Account security settings.
3. Select Security.
4. Scroll down to How you sign in to Google.
5. Tap or click Passkeys.
6. Select Create a passkey.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Verify your identity using your fingerprint, face recognition or screen lock.

Once completed, your passkey will be saved securely on your device.

How To Sign In With a Passkey

After setting up a passkey:

1. Open a Google sign-in page.
2. Enter your email address.
3. Choose to sign in using your passkey if prompted.
4. Verify your identity using your device's fingerprint, face recognition or screen lock.

You won't need to type your password each time on that trusted device.

Can You Still Use Your Password?

Yes. Setting up a passkey does not automatically remove your password.

Your password remains available as a backup, especially when signing in from devices that don't yet support passkeys.

How To Manage or Remove Passkeys

If you replace your phone or no longer want to use a passkey:

1. Open your Google Account.
2. Go to Security.
3. Open Passkeys.
4. View your saved passkeys.
5. Remove any passkey you no longer use.

You can also create new passkeys for additional trusted devices.

Tips for Better Security

To keep your Google Account secure:

• Keep your devices updated.
• Use screen lock on every device.
• Never share your phone's PIN or unlock pattern.
• Remove passkeys from devices you no longer own.
• Enable two-step verification for added protection.

Passkeys are becoming the future of online security. They make signing in faster while offering stronger protection than traditional passwords. If you use Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos or any other Google service, setting up a passkey is a simple step that can significantly improve the security of your account.

How To Use Google Lens to Identify Objects

Have you ever come across a plant, product, animal or landmark and wondered what it was? Instead of typing a description into a search engine, Google Lens allows you to use your phone's camera to identify objects in seconds.

Google Lens is a visual search tool developed by Google that can recognise objects, text, places and other items through images. It is available on most Android devices and can also be used on iPhones through the Google app.

What Is Google Lens?

Google Lens uses artificial intelligence and image recognition technology to analyse what your camera sees and provide relevant information.

For example, Google Lens can help you:

• Identify plants and flowers.
• Recognise animals and insects.
• Find information about landmarks and buildings.
• Search for products online.
• Copy text from images.
• Translate text into another language.

How To Access Google Lens on Android

Many Android phones come with Google Lens already installed.

To access it:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Tap the Google Lens icon in the search bar.
3. Allow camera permissions if prompted.

On some Android devices, Google Lens can also be accessed directly through the Camera app.

How To Access Google Lens on iPhone

iPhone users can use Google Lens through the Google app.

Follow these steps:

1. Download and open the Google app.
2. Tap the Google Lens icon beside the search bar.
3. Grant camera permissions when required.

You can then begin using the feature immediately.

How To Identify Objects Using Your Camera

To identify an object in front of you:

1. Open Google Lens.
2. Point your camera at the object.
3. Make sure the object is clearly visible.
4. Tap the shutter button.

Google Lens will analyse the image and display information that may help identify the object.

Depending on what you scan, you may see search results, product listings, articles or related images.

How To Identify Objects From Existing Photos

Google Lens can also analyse images that are already saved on your phone.

To do this:

1. Open Google Lens.
2. Tap the gallery icon.
3. Select a photo from your device.
4. Wait for Google Lens to scan the image.

This is useful if you took a photo earlier and want more information about what appears in the picture.

How To Copy Text From Images

Google Lens can extract text from signs, documents, screenshots and printed materials.

To copy text:

1. Open Google Lens.
2. Scan the image containing the text.
3. Select the Text option.
4. Highlight the text you want.
5. Tap Copy.

The copied text can then be pasted into another app.

How To Translate Text Using Google Lens

If you come across text written in another language, Google Lens can translate it instantly.

To use this feature:

1. Open Google Lens.
2. Point your camera at the text.
3. Select the Translate option.
4. Wait for the translation to appear.

This can be useful when reading signs, menus, labels or documents in foreign languages.

Why Google Lens May Not Work Properly

If Google Lens is unable to identify an object correctly, consider the following:

• Make sure the image is clear and well lit.
• Move closer to the object if necessary.
• Ensure your internet connection is active.
• Update the Google app to the latest version.
• Try taking another photo from a different angle.

Google Lens works best when the object is visible and the image quality is good.

Google Lens can save time when you need quick information about something around you. Whether you are identifying a plant, copying text from an image or looking up a product, the tool provides an easy way to search using your phone's camera instead of words.