This article is meant to provide guidance regarding Google's Login Challenges. More specifically, it is designed to describe: (1) when they appear, (2) why they appear, and (3) what you can do about it.
Note: Two-Step Verification
Two-Step Verification is the recommended method to avoid receiving these other Login Challenges. If you haven't done so already, please take the time to enroll in Two-Step today.
Account security is of utmost concern for both Google & SAS Computing. When Google determines that a user is logging in from either: a) an unknown device (new phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop) or b) an unusual or new location (different state or country), they may prompt the user with a login challenge. The login challenge that the you receive depends on the information that you have associated with your account.
Adding Recovery Information
- Navigate to myaccount.google.com
- Login with your Google Account
- Click the Security tab
- Scroll down to Ways we can verify it's you
- Choose a recovery option (phone or email) & follow the instructions to verify your information
Various Login Challenges
Scenario 1: No recovery information
You will be prompted with the following Login Challenge if you do not have a recovery phone number or a recovery email address associated with your account.
- Enter any mobile phone number
- You will receive a 6-digit numerical code
- Enter the code & click next
Scenario 2: Only recovery phone number
You will be prompted with the following Login Challenge if you only have a recovery phone number associated with your account.
- Choose your preferred option:
- Receive a text at your designated recovery phone number
- Receive a voice message/call at your designated recovery phone number
- Confirm your recovery phone number
Scenario 3: Only recovery email address
You will be prompted with the following Login Challenge if you only have a recovery email address associated with your account.
- Confirm your recovery email address
- Click Next
Scenario 4: Both recovery phone number & recovery email address
You will be prompted with the following Login Challenge if you have both a recovery phone number and a recovery email address associated with your account.
- Choose your preferred option:
- Receive a text at your designated recovery phone number
- Receive a voice message/call at your designated recovery phone number
- Confirm your recovery phone number
Additional Note: Other Help
While an “Other Help” button is provided, it leads to Google’s account recovery process which unfortunately will not work for a student’s Google@SAS account. If you are unable to recover your account with the provided options, please contact Student Support.
*Adapted with permission from support.wharton.upenn.edu