How to Remove SMS as a Google 2SV Method

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Purpose

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app as a method for Google 2-Step Verification (2SV).

Prerequisites:

You have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your mobile device (available on iOS and Android).
You have access to a secondary device or browser to complete the setup process.

Introduction

Using SMS for two-step verification (2SV) on your Google account poses security risks, as text messages can be intercepted through methods like SIM swapping or phishing. Switching to a more secure method, such as an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator, helps protect your account with locally generated, time-sensitive codes that are harder to compromise.

Procedure

In a browser window on your computer, go to gmail.com and log in with your Biola email address and password.
Click the Biola logo with your picture or initials toward the top-right of the gmail page, then click Manage your Google Account.
On the Google Account page, click Security.
Click 2-Step Verification under the How you sign in to Google header.
When prompted, verify your password.
Click the Phone number option under the Second steps header.
Click the trash can next to the phone number you wish to remove.
Click Remove to verify you wish to remove this phone number as a 2SV method from your account.
Ensure you have another 2SV method set up for your Google Account. We recommend from that you Set Up Microsoft Authenticator for Google 2SV.

You have successfully removed a phone number as a 2SV method for your Google account.

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