2-Factor Authentication is undoubtedly the better way to login to any website or service. So whenever you try to sign in using a Google account on a new device, it asks for verification. However, I recently faced this situation where I couldn’t log in to my Google account on a new device because I didn’t have my phone to verify my identity. If you find yourself in this situation where you need to login into your Google account without using the phone? Here’s an easy way to login to a Google account without a verification code. Let’s begin.
How to login to Google Account without Verification Code
Even though there are a few different methods to verify your identity but most methods require another device with your account logged in. In case you can’t access any other devices, here’s what you need to do.
Try logging in on a Trusted Device
Google remembers which devices you successfully logged in from, even if you log out of the device afterward. Let me explain with an example, I logged in on my friend’s laptop a few weeks ago to check a few emails and then I logged out. Google trusts this device and won’t ask you for a verification code in the future.
If you are ever in a situation where you aren’t able to log in to your Google account on a new device, try to find a device that you previously logged in on. Google would let you log in without a verification code. In case, you have turned off the checkmark beside “Don’t ask again on this computer”, that device will not work for you log-in without a verification code.
Try logging in on a Familiar Wi-Fi network
Google considers your home or Work Wifi as a trusted place and you can actually authenticate the verification by connecting your device to your Home or Work network. However, if you’re away from home or work then this method won’t work.
Get Help from Google
If you’re away from home and can’t connect to the home or work wifi then you can use ask Google to recover your account. Tap or click the Get help option on the verification page and answer all the questions correctly. You will be prompted to enter a few details such as your phone number and email address. After you enter those details, Google would review your request and you would get the access token in the email.
Google may take good 3-5 business days to send you a mail-back. It is not efficient in any way as Google asks a lot of details of your account to confirm your identity. So answer as many as you can and hope for the best.
Let’s be honest you can’t hack your way into your own account if Google doesn’t let you. However, you can avoid this problem in the future by implementing these methods. I’ve listed all the things that you can use to log in to your Google account.
Avoid this Problem in the Future
1. Backup codes
You can find an option called backup code in the 2FA settings in your Google account settings. Enable this option and you would get 10 backup codes. This means you can use this method up to ten times to access your Google account without any verification.
To generate a backup code, go to your Google account settings page by clicking this link. Under Security, find a 2-step verification and click Backup codes to generate it. Note these codes down somewhere safe and where you can access it in the future.
Now, whenever you can’t log in to your Google account in the future, just use one of these codes and you’d be good to go. Each code works once and is replaced with a new one.
2. Security key
The security key is a kind of a USB stick that is built for 2-Step verification. These physical flash drives hold the credentials or keys that are linked with your Google account. You can buy one from Amazon and keep it in your wallet or at your desk.
To use the key, you would have to first link it to your account. To enable the security key, go to Manage your account > Security > 2FA > Security Key and follow the steps to connect your security key to your account.
Now, simply use it while logging in. On the verification page, click Try Another way > Security key and plug in the security key to log-in. If the key was properly linked to your account then you should be able to log in without a hitch.
3. Google Authenticator
Google has an app called Authenticator that lets you log in to your Google account with a 2FA. You would have to link the app to your account by scanning a QR code. I recommend using a family member’s phone so that even if you lose your phone, you can still call them and ask for the code. No, they won’t be able to access your account with this code alone.
Go to Manage your Account> Security> 2-Step Verification> Setup Authenticator app. Scan the QR code using the Authenticator app on the smartphone and it should start showing a code that changes every 30 seconds. You can now use this code to log in to your Google account.
As much as Google Authenticator is convenient to set up and use as a first-party app, it’s still not an ideal solution as you need to use it on someone else phone. Using it on your phone does not solve the problem when you can’t access your phone. But the better alternative is using third-party authenticator apps like Authy
4. Authy
Authy is similar to Google Authenticator but better. It supports multiple device sign-in, so it solves the problem that we have with Google Authenticator. In simple words, unlike Google Authenticator, you can install Authy on your PC and Mac as well, so that you can rely on another device when your phone is not available. If you are using the authenticator for multiple services, Authy makes it easier to find the required code by using big site logos rather than a service name. You also have other advantages like using Widgets, so the authentication key will be easy to access for you. 
Unlike other Authentication apps like Google, Microsoft, or Lastpass, Authy uses your phone number to login. It is easy to spoof a number using SIM swapping but getting a hold of your device to get the code is more difficult. This is where Authy lacks. Code itself cannot allow people to log-in to your accounts, but it is a step more vulnerable than what Google Authenticator provides.
Wrapping up
No matter the problems, I still highly suggest you use two-factor authentication as it is better than compromising on security. Not just Google, you can use the 2FA on all these following services which support: Twitter, Dropbox, Discord, Twitch, Facebook, LastPass, etc.
