Setting up and Signing in with Google Backup Codes

If you cannot sign into your Google Account with your normal 2-Step Verification, you can use a backup code for the second step. Create backup codes to use in case you lose your smart device or otherwise cannot get verification codes by any other means.

• Setting up backup codes
• Signing in with a backup code

Setting up backup codes

1. Go to the Security page of your Google account by clicking here or by navigating there manually (Icon > Manage your Google account > Security). Make sure you are signed into your Saga account.

2. Scroll down to the section "How you sign into Google" and click on "2-Step Verification". You may be asked to sign into your Saga Google account again. If prompted, log in using your password and it will take you to the 2-Step Verification page.

3. Scroll down and you should see a few options as your second steps for login. Click on "Backup codes".

4. Click on "Get backup codes".

5. There will be 10 codes generated. You can choose to:

• Print the codes out and keep the document
• Download the codes and store the .txt file (Make sure you remember the file location!)
• Take a picture of the codes with your phone

Important things to remember:

• After you use a backup code to sign in, that code becomes inactive. You cannot reuse a code.
• You can get a new set of 10 backup codes when you run out of codes or whenever you want. To do this, follow Step 1-3 to navigate to the Backup Codes page and click the arrow icon (see image below). If you do not wish to use backup codes anymore, click the trash can icon to delete the existing codes (not recommended since backup codes enhance your account security).

• When you create a new set of codes, the old set automatically becomes inactive, so please manage your stored codes accordingly.
• Do not share your backup codes with anyone. Google never asks for a backup code other than at sign in.

You have successfully set up backup codes for your Saga Google account.

Signing in with a backup code

1. If you have set up backup codes already, find your backup codes. If you have acquired a backup code from IT, hold on to that.
2. Sign in to your Saga Google Account.
3. When you are prompted for verifying your account, click Try another way.
4. Click Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.
5. Enter one of your unused backup codes from the ones you have set up or enter the code provided by IT.

Note: After you use a backup code to sign in, that code becomes inactive. You cannot reuse a code.

If you have any questions, please reach out to IT by emailing: helpdesk@saga.org