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Simple guides for every account

Pick your account below. Follow the steps. If you get stuck, use the chat widget or send us a message — we'll walk you through it.

Gmail / Google Account — 2-Step Verification

Protects your Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and all other Google services at once.

1

Go to your Google Account

Open a browser and go to myaccount.google.com — or just search "Google Account". Sign in if needed.

2

Click "Security" in the left menu

You'll see it on the left-hand side. If you're on mobile, scroll down to find the Security section.

3

Find "2-Step Verification" and click it

Under the section "How you sign in to Google". Click the arrow to go in.

4

Click "Get Started"

Google will confirm your password first. Enter it and click Next.

5

Choose your verification method

Best option: Google Prompt (a pop-up on your phone). Or choose Text message (SMS) if you prefer. Follow the on-screen steps.

Click "Turn On"

That's it — your Google account now requires a second step every time you sign in.

💡 Why this matters

Even if someone gets your Gmail password, they cannot sign in without your phone. This one step blocks 99% of account hacks.

Your Google account controls Gmail, Drive, YouTube, Google Pay — so protecting it protects everything connected to it.

⚠️ Save your backup codes — when prompted, download or print the backup codes. Store them somewhere safe (not in Gmail!). You'll need one if you lose your phone.

✅ Done in under 3 minutes. If you see a green tick next to "2-Step Verification", you're protected.

Facebook — Two-Factor Authentication

Stops strangers from logging into your Facebook even if they have your password.

1

Open Facebook and tap the Menu

On mobile: tap the three lines (☰) in the bottom right. On desktop: click your profile photo at the top right.

2

Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings

Scroll down to find Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings inside it.

3

Tap "Password and Security"

Under the Accounts Centre section. This is where all security settings live.

4

Tap "Two-Factor Authentication"

Select your Facebook account when asked which account to protect.

5

Choose Authentication App or SMS

Authentication App is more secure. SMS is easier to set up. Either is much better than nothing.

Follow the steps and tap "Enable"

Facebook will test it before turning on. Done — your account is now protected.

💡 What to choose?

Authentication App (like Google Authenticator or Authy) generates a 6-digit code on your phone every 30 seconds. It works even without phone signal and is more secure than SMS.

SMS sends a text message to your phone. Easier to set up, and still far better than no protection at all.

⚠️ Facebook will show you recovery codes — save these in a safe place. They let you back in if you lose your phone.

✅ Once enabled, anyone trying to log in needs your phone too — even hackers who bought your password on the dark web.

Instagram — Two-Factor Authentication

Prevents account takeover — one of the most common hacks targeting Instagram.

1

Open Instagram and go to your Profile

Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.

2

Tap the three lines (☰) then "Settings"

Find Settings and privacy at the top of the menu.

3

Tap "Accounts Centre"

Then tap Password and security.

4

Tap "Two-factor authentication"

Select your Instagram account from the list shown.

5

Choose your method

Authentication app or text message. Tap the toggle next to your choice to switch it on.

Complete setup and tap Done

Instagram confirms it's active. You'll be asked to verify with a code the next time you log in.

💡 Accounts get hacked all the time

Instagram account takeover is extremely common. Hackers then use your account to scam your followers. Two-factor authentication makes this nearly impossible.

Takes 2 minutes. Saves you the nightmare of losing your account.

⚠️ Save your backup codes — Instagram will give you 5 codes. Screenshot them and keep them somewhere you can find offline.

✅ When it's on, you'll see "Two-factor authentication is on" in the settings menu. You're protected.

WhatsApp — Two-Step Verification

Prevents SIM-swap attacks and account hijacking through your phone number.

1

Open WhatsApp

On iPhone: tap Settings (bottom right). On Android: tap the three dots (⋮) in the top right.

2

Go to Account

Tap Settings → Account.

3

Tap "Two-step verification"

Then tap Enable on the next screen.

4

Enter a 6-digit PIN

Choose a number you'll remember but not an obvious one like 123456 or your birthday.

5

Add an email address

Strongly recommended. This lets you reset your PIN if you forget it. Use an email you actually check.

Tap Done

WhatsApp will occasionally ask for your PIN to remind you of it. That's normal — it keeps you secure.

💡 Why WhatsApp specifically?

WhatsApp accounts can be hijacked via "SIM swap" — where a fraudster convinces your phone company to move your number to their SIM. Once they have your number, they try to register your WhatsApp.

Two-step verification blocks this by requiring a PIN they don't know.

⚠️ Never share your 6-digit WhatsApp registration code with anyone — not even friends. This code is sometimes used to hijack accounts.

✅ Two-step verification is now on. WhatsApp will ask for your PIN if your account is registered on a new phone.

Apple ID — Two-Factor Authentication

Protects your iPhone, iCloud, App Store purchases, and Apple Pay.

1

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad

Tap the grey cog icon on your home screen.

2

Tap your name at the very top

This opens your Apple ID / iCloud settings.

3

Tap "Sign-In & Security"

You'll see options about your Apple ID password and security.

4

Tap "Turn On Two-Factor Authentication"

Then tap Continue. Apple will confirm the trusted phone number to use.

5

Verify your phone number

Choose how to receive the code (text or phone call). Enter the code Apple sends you.

Two-Factor Authentication is now on

Apple devices you own will show a verification code whenever a new sign-in is attempted.

💡 Your Apple ID is critical

Your Apple ID holds everything: photos in iCloud, all your apps, your payment cards, your iPhone backups. If someone gets in, they can remotely wipe your phone and lock you out.

Two-factor means Apple will always check with your trusted device first.

⚠️ Apple's 2FA cannot be turned off after 14 days once enabled. That's fine — it's protecting you. Just make sure your trusted phone number stays up to date.

✅ Once enabled, you'll see a 6-digit code appear on your trusted iPhone or iPad whenever a new sign-in happens.

Microsoft / Outlook — Two-Step Verification

Protects your Outlook, Hotmail, OneDrive, Xbox, and Microsoft 365 accounts.

1

Go to account.microsoft.com

Open a browser and type account.microsoft.com. Sign in with your Microsoft email and password.

2

Click "Security" in the top menu

Then click "Advanced security options" on the Security page.

3

Find "Two-step verification" and click "Turn on"

Under the "Ways to prove who you are" section.

4

Follow the setup wizard

Microsoft walks you through adding a verification method — an app, phone number, or alternate email.

5

Note your recovery code

Microsoft gives you a 25-character recovery code. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe — not on the computer.

Click Finish

Two-step verification is now active on your Microsoft account.

💡 Use the Microsoft Authenticator app

Microsoft has its own free app called Microsoft Authenticator (available on iPhone and Android). It's the easiest and most secure way to verify your identity — just open the app and tap "Approve".

Far easier than typing in a code every time.

⚠️ If you use Microsoft 365 for work, your company IT team may already manage this. Check with them before changing any settings on a work account.

✅ You're protected. Next time you sign in, Microsoft will ask for a second verification step before letting anyone in.

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