Google Just Made an Important Change That Gmail Users Should Know About

While instant messaging apps and RCS have replaced SMS in everyday communications, SMS still plays an important role in some functions, most notably two-factor authentication. However, Gmail is planning to eliminate SMS codes in this authentication process.

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Two-factor authentication via SMS will soon be gone from Gmail.

Gmail spokesperson Ross Richendrfer said in a statement that Google wants to move away from SMS to more secure authentication methods. 'Just like we want to eliminate passwords by using things like verification keys, we want to stop sending SMS messages for authentication,' he said.

Google plans to replace SMS codes with QR codes in an effort to curb SMS abuse globally. Experts say that while SMS may seem convenient, it poses risks, including the possibility of fraud and the user not being able to access the device that receives the code. Furthermore, SMS relies on the security of the carrier, so if a bad guy gets a hold of a user's phone number, the SMS code loses its security value.

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Instead users must rely on more secure QR codes.

Over the next few months, Google will redesign the phone verification process. Instead of entering a phone number and receiving a six-digit code, users will receive a QR code that they can scan with their camera app. This approach not only reduces the risk of fraud, but also eliminates the need for carriers to protect users from abuse.

Details on how QR code authentication will work and exactly when Gmail will start phasing out SMS authentication have not been announced at this time.

Micah Soto

Update 03 March 2025