There's no separate setting to choose your default verification method — your default is automatically set to whichever method you used most recently at login. To change it, use a different method the next time you're prompted to verify your identity. This article walks you through how to do that.
🌟Note: Need to add a verification method first? See Add a two-step verification method. To set up two-step verification for the first time, see Enable two-step verification. If you run into issues, visit our two-step verification troubleshooting guide.
Key Points
Your default verification method is whichever one you used most recently at login — there's no separate setting to configure.
To change your default, simply use a different method the next time you're prompted to verify your identity.
You'll need at least two verification methods on file to switch between them.
How to switch your default verification method
You'll see the "Verify Your Identity" screen each time you log in or make changes to your security settings. The steps below walk you through updating your default method directly from that screen.
Switch between phone numbers
Switch between phone numbers
If you have multiple phone numbers on file and want to change which one receives your verification code:
From the Verify Your Identity screen, locate the phone number preview field.
Select the > icon to the right of the field to display your registered phone numbers.
Select your preferred number from the list.
Your selected number will be used as the default going forward.
Switch to a different method type
Switch to a different method type
If you'd prefer to use an authenticator app or recovery code instead of a phone number:
From the Verify Your Identity screen, select Try another method.
Select your preferred method from the list.
Your selected method will be used as the default going forward.
🌟 Note: If you see a recovery code option in this list, note that recovery codes are single-use emergency backups — using one here will consume it. Use this option only if you've lost access to your other methods.
Additional resources
Add a verification method
Add a phone number or authenticator app to your account. Add a two-step verification method.
Remove a verification method
Remove a phone number or authenticator app from your account. Remove a two-step verification method.
Troubleshoot
Resolve two-step verification issues and regain access to your account. Troubleshoot two-step verification.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I find a setting to select my default method? There's no dedicated setting for this — your default is automatically updated to whichever method you used most recently at login. To change it, use a different method the next time you verify your identity.
Will my default change every time I use a different method? Yes. Whichever method you use at login becomes your new default. If you want to lock in a particular method, use it consistently at each login.
What if I only have one verification method on file? If you only have one method enrolled, there's nothing to switch between. To add a second method, see Add a two-step verification method.
What if I don't see the "Try another method" option? This option only appears if you have more than one verification method enrolled. If you don't see it, you may only have one method on file. See Add a two-step verification method to add a second one.