Protecting Your Yahoo Mail With 2-Step Authentication

Keep your personal information safe with two levels of security

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on June 3, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Go to Account > Account Info > Account Security.
  • Select the link that says Turn on 2SV, sign in to your account again as directed, and follow the prompts to finish the process.
  • When two-step authentication is enabled, you must enter your password and a code sent to your cellphone.

This article explains how to enable two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA or two-step authentication) for your Yahoo Mail account on your desktop computer.

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Protecting Your Yahoo! Mail with 2-Step Authentication

For a similar degree of security, Yahoo Mail also offers Access Key login using a mobile app.

Protect Your Yahoo Mail Account with 2-Step Authentication

To add a second layer of authentication to protect against suspicious log-in attempts:

  1. Select the Account icon and choose Account Info.

    Yahoo Mail Account Info

  2. Select Account Security from the menu on the left.

    Yahoo Mail Account Security

  3. Select the link that says Turn on 2SV and then sign in to your account again when prompted.

    Turn on 2-Step Verification link in Yahoo Mail

  4. Click Get started on the pop-up that appears.

    Yahoo mail Turn on 2-step verification screen

  5. Select the method you'd like to use for authentication.

  6. If you chose Phone number, enter a mobile number at the prompt. If you chose Authenticator App, follow the on-screen steps to scan the QR code with your authenticator app. If you chose Security key, follow the prompts to enter the required information.

    When entering your mobile number, leave out non-numerical characters. For example, enter 1234561234 rather than 123-456-1234 or (123) 456-1234.

  7. Depending on the method you chose, you'll receive a text or phone call with the verification code. Type the code into the dialog box that appears on the screen after you choose the method of contact, then select Verify.

    Yahoo Mail 2-factor Verify button

About Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA), also called two-step authentication, is a security protocol that requires two methods to gain access to an application or program. For example, your bank's website might require more than a username and password; you might also be prompted to identify a picture that you chose previously to prove that you are who you claim to be.

Alternatively, some sites such as Yahoo require authentication on a separate device, such as your phone. This extra layer of security is for your protection.

How Secure Is Your Email at Yahoo?

The Yahoo Mail service checks the password when somebody logs in to an account; it also looks at the location and computer from which the attempt is made. If one looks suspicious (for example, a login from a device you've never used before), Yahoo can require more than the password, but only if two-step authentication is enabled.

When two-step authentication is enabled, you must enter your password and a code sent to your cellphone.

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