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I set up Google 2 Factor auth to use 2 Factor Auth with certain sites. But reading over the help suggests that Google 2 Factor Auth is only used to log into Google services like Gmail.

But when I log into Gmail, to does not ask for 2 Factor Auth code.

Is Google 2 Factor Auth used to log into Google services?

Where is the documentation for using Google 2 Factor Auth to log into non-Google services?

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closed as off-topic by Adi, Xander, Gilles, TildalWave, NULLZ Jul 30 '13 at 0:34

  • This question does not appear to be about Information security within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

  • Because you haven't enabled it yet. Go here and enable it accounts.google.com/b/0/SmsAuthConfig?hl=en – Adi Jul 29 '13 at 15:31
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    This question appears to be off-topic because it is asking for help to use a web service. – Adi Jul 29 '13 at 15:32
  • I don't understand what you're asking. If you need help setting up Google 2FA, you may ask on Web Applications, but please clarify what you're having trouble with. – Gilles Jul 29 '13 at 16:44
  • I'm asking for help in understanding the Google 2FA process. Rod answered the question very clearly. – B Seven Jul 30 '13 at 2:56
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Google calls it 2 step verification. They do not ask for it every time you log in. Only when you log in from a new computer, if you have not used the code in a while, if they think there is something suspicious with your account usage, or, if you clear your cookies from your browser so it appears to be a login from a new PC.

They use this system so that it is not such a big pain in the neck for newbies to 2 factor auth. This is to help convince people to add the 2nd factor.

The theory is that many users are hesitant to use 2-factor because it is an extra step they need to take. If they only need to do it once in a while, but it ensures that someone in China trying to hack the account has that extra hoop to jump through, they are more likely to use it.

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Yes, it works on Google. Most likely what happened, IMHO, is it didn't ask because you were on the same computer that you set it up with.

I see you've asked another question about non-Google services, so I won't answer that here.

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