Go to your Google Accounts page by signing into Gmail, selecting “Help” at the top of the page and then to “My Account.”
Under personal settings, select “Using 2-step verification.”
A set-up wizard will walk you through the process that will include adding your mobile phone number where the code will be sent upon request via a phone call or text message. The process also asks for a back-up phone number like one from a close family member or roommate in case you lose access to your phone.
Once you enable 2-step verification, you’ll see an extra page that prompts you for a code when you sign in to your Gmail account. After entering your password, Google will call you with the code, send you a text message or give you the choice to generate the code for yourself using a mobile application on your Android, BlackBerry or iPhone device.
Type in the code and you’ll have access to your account. The code automatically expires in around six minutes. Alternately, you may select “Remember verification for this computer for 30 days” option, and you won’t need to re-enter a code for another 30 days.