How to secure your new aged account
Watch the 2-minute video guide
The 4 steps, day by day
Log in on your own device and change the password
Sign in to the Gmail on your own phone, laptop or PC. Then go to Google Account › Security › Password and set a strong password you don't use anywhere else.
Add your own recovery phone and recovery email
In Google Account › Security, add your own phone number and your own email as recovery options. Leave the old ones for now.
Change the authenticator
In 2-Step Verification, switch the authenticator to your own app (see the setup key section below). On the same day, create new backup codes so the old ones stop working.
Remove the old recovery number and email
Remove the recovery phone and email that came with the account. Now only you control it.
Why wait? Big changes in one day, from a new device, can look suspicious to Google and the account can get locked. Small steps look like normal use.
No Google Authenticator? Use your setup key
With your order you get a setup key (also called a secret key). It is a long code of letters and numbers, for example K7QM 2XVA WPLD R4TW HN3C 6YBE ZU5F JS7G (example only).
On your phone
- Install any authenticator app: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or similar.
- Tap +, then Enter a setup key.
- Type any name (for example "My YouTube"), paste the key, and choose Time based.
- The app now shows a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter it whenever Google asks.
On a computer
Paste the key into our free 2FA code generator. It shows the same 6-digit code, works in your browser, and doesn't send your key to our server. A phone app is still best for everyday use.
If the code doesn't work, set your phone or computer clock to automatic: codes depend on the exact time. Never share your key: anyone with it can create your codes.
Backup codes: what they are and how to use them
Backup codes are 10 one-time 8-digit codes from Google. Each code works only once. They are your way in if you lose your phone or can't get a code from the authenticator.
How to sign in with a backup code
- Sign in with your email and password as normal.
- On the 2-Step Verification screen, tap Try another way.
- Choose Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes and type a code you haven't used yet.
- Cross that code off your list: it won't work again.
Get new codes on Day 7
Go to Google Account › Security › 2-Step Verification › Backup codes and choose Get new codes. The old set stops working immediately, so only you have working codes. Print them or write them down and keep them offline, not in your email or phone notes.
3 safety tips
- Use the same device for every step.
- Don't use a VPN while making these changes.
- Never share your password, setup key or codes with anyone.
FAQ
Why not change everything on the first day?
Big security changes all at once, from a new device, can look suspicious to Google and the account can get locked for review. Small changes spread over 8 days look like normal use and keep the account safe.
I don't have Google Authenticator. What do I do?
Use the setup key (secret key) that comes with your order. Install any authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, tap +, choose Enter a setup key, type any name, paste the key and choose Time based. On a computer you can also paste the key into our free 2FA code generator to get the 6-digit code.
What are backup codes?
Backup codes are 10 one-time 8-digit codes from Google. Each one works only once. If you lose your phone or can't get a code, tap Try another way on the sign-in screen and enter one of your backup codes.
How do I get new backup codes?
Go to Google Account › Security › 2-Step Verification › Backup codes and choose Get new codes. Your old set stops working as soon as you create new ones, so do this on Day 7 when you change the authenticator.
Can I use a VPN while making these changes?
Avoid it. Use the same device and your normal internet connection for every step, so Google sees one consistent sign-in.
Something went wrong. Who do I contact?
Contact Instant Monetized support with your order number. Every order includes 30 days of support for access, setup and recovery.