Against the background of ever-increasing security threats for personal data, an extra layer of protection has become the need of the day. Therefore, the sooner you put on the shield, the better it will be for your sensitive information. While this may be great news for iOS users who always prefer to take extra precautions to protect security and privacy, Google has updated its Smart Lock app to use the iPhone as a security key; It did the same favor to Android 7+ devices last year. Compared to two-factor authentication via codes sent via SMS, the security key is considered much more secure. If you want to be on the safer side of streaming, let me show you how you can set up your iPhone as a security key for Google’s 2FA!
Use Your iPhone as a Security Key for Google’s 2FA
It’s always a good idea to lighten up a new feature a little bit more, especially if you’re ready to power it up, right?
What is an Intercom Security Key?
Google’s built-in phone security key is different from Google Prompt (two-step verification), although both have the same user interface. While the old is quite similar to a physical Lightning/USB-C switchthe latter’s push-based method is usually found in the company’s Gmail or Search app.
Moreover, phone security key must be nearby (within Bluetooth range) device trying to login. Note that it does not send login prompts over the internet to ensure the login is in a secure environment – away from prying eyes.
So How Does the Security Key Work on iOS?
Google Using Apple’s “Secure Enclave” feature found in A-series chips To convert iOS devices as secure key for two factor authentication. For those who don’t know, the Secure Enclave is a co-processor of the iPhone’s ARM CPU and takes care of all the encryption functions for authentication. Also, this security feature (first launched on iPhone 5s) remains protected even if the iOS core is hacked.
Anyone Caught?
Yes, there is a small catch. But I don’t think this will be a deal breaker for many users. For starters, you can: Use your iPhone only as a security key for Google’s 2FA when signing in to Google with Chrome. This means you cannot use it in Apple Safari or other web browsers. While I find this limitation a bit disappointing, it won’t prevent this feature from being very useful given how pervasive Google Chrome is across platforms.
Now that all the clouds are gone, let’s get started with quick steps!
How to Set iOS Devices as Security Key for Google’s 2FA
1. First of all, make sure you have the latest version of the Google Smart Lock app. If you haven’t updated yet, do it now from the App Store -> Profile. For those who haven’t got it yet, go to the App Store. Download this free app now.
2. Open it now Smart Lock app on your iPhone. Next, tap on To start.
3. Then the app will automatically get your Google account. Tap on Yes it is me To confirm that you want to set your phone as a built-in security key
4. On the next screen, you allow app to access bluetooth so it can communicate with other devices. To let IT.
5. Finally, Verify your account by entering the password.
That is all!
In the future, every time you open Chrome on your computer or wherever you want to sign in to your Google account, you will be prompted to open it. Smart Lock Confirm sign in to your Account securely on your nearby iPhone to confirm sign in.
Note: This feature requires Bluetooth to be enabled on both the iPhone and other devices where the login attempt is made.
Use Your iOS Device as a Security Key for Google’s 2FA
As someone who always prefers to have an extra pad for personal data, I welcome this feature. I found it quite reliable during testing. All I want to add is to break the limitation of working only with Google Chrome. What do you say about this? Share your valuable thoughts in the comments below.