# Save Google backup codes before you need them By Ashwathanarayana K P · 2026-10-11 Source: A lost phone can make signing in difficult even when you know your password. Google backup codes give you another way to complete 2-Step Verification. Set them up while you can still access your account, then keep them somewhere you can reach without that phone. ## Create your codes You need 2-Step Verification enabled first. On a computer or phone, open your [Google Account security settings](https://myaccount.google.com/security), then: 1. Open **Security & sign-in** and choose **2-Step Verification** under “How you sign in to Google.” Sign in again if prompted. 1. Find **Backup codes** and select **Continue**, then **Get backup codes**. 1. Print or download the set and put it in a safe place. Google provides ten codes. Each code works once, and creating a fresh set invalidates the old set. See Google's [backup code instructions](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538) for the current menu and the Advanced Protection download limitation. ## Choose a place you can reach A printed copy with other important documents is one option. A password manager may also be suitable if you can unlock it on another device without relying on the Google account you are trying to recover. Think through that dependency before saving the only copy there. Treat the codes as sensitive credentials. Do not send them in chat, put them in a shared document, or keep the only copy in an email inbox that requires the same account to open. Someone who knows your password and obtains an unused code may be able to sign in. Mark a code as used after a successful sign-in. If you keep more than one copy, update them together or replace the entire set when the remaining codes become confusing. Check periodically that your copy is legible and that you know where it is. Avoid photographing a printed copy unless you are comfortable with where that image will be stored and synced. Make sure a trusted person can find the storage location if that fits your own recovery plan. ## Use a code to sign in Enter your account and password as usual. At the verification step, choose **Try another way**, then the option to enter a backup code. Enter one unused eight-digit code. Google explains the exact sequence in its [sign-in guide](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538). If that option is unavailable, check the other methods offered on the screen. A signed-in device, another registered phone or a security key may help, depending on what you set up. For a work or school account, your administrator may have different rules. ## Replace a missing set Return to **2-Step Verification → Backup codes** and generate new codes if the old copy is lost, exposed or nearly exhausted. The old codes stop working, so replace every stored copy. If you cannot sign in using any available method, use Google's [account recovery process](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7682439); having backup codes is useful but does not replace keeping recovery information current.