Google will soon make a user’s smartphone the only key they need to log in to their Google accounts on any device, thanks to a new login method that the internet giant is testing with a small group of users. 

Two-factor authentication is a rather secure way of logging in, but it’s not as convenient or quick as one would like. Google is hoping to make things faster by enabling users to use their smartphone to authenticate a login – once a user authenticates a device, he/she can simply respond to a notification on their phone to log in to their account. Users can still opt to enter a password normally, and will need to have their device set to a secure screen lock option in order to use the new login method.

Google is currently testing the feature with a limited group of users – the group is visible on Google Groups as “Sign-In Experiments at Google” but requires a direct invitation from the company for participation. Both Android and iOS devices are a part of the test; Google isn’t saying how long it will keep things in the “experiment” phase, but it’s likely to take its time given the repercussions improper testing can have on people’s account security.

Here’s the email Google is sending to users part of the test.

You’ve been invited to try a new way of signing in to your Google account. Setting it up will only take a few minutes.

Enroll your Google Account
Accept the invitation for our Google Group
Go to myaccount.google.com/security
Click the invitation that says: “Tired of typing passwords? Try using your phone to sign in”
Follow the instructions to finish setup

What happens next ?

After you’ve set it up, try it and see what you think. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
You won’t need your password to sign in, but you can always use it if you want to As always, if we notice anything unusual about your sign-in you may be asked to complete an extra step or two to prove it’s really you We might reach out to you to learn more about what you think. You can leave the group if you don’t want us to contact you.

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What happens if ?

Your phone’s battery dies or your phone isn’t around

You can still use your password. When you go to sign in, just click the link “Use your password instead” at the bottom of the page

You lose your phone

That’s why you have a screen lock or Touch ID. Even if someone else gets your phone, that person can’t unlock it
Any time you lose your phone, protect yourself by signing in on another device and going to My Account. From there, you can review your device activity and remove account access from the lost device

You want to use a new phone

If you need to change your phone, go to “Sign in and Security” in My Account. Click “Use your phone to sign in” then “Edit” your phone

You decide you want to stop using your phone to sign in

If you decide you’d rather type your password to sign in, go to “Sign in and Security” in My Account. Click “Use your phone to sign in” then “Turn off”

You’re asked to complete extra steps to sign in

If Google ever sees something suspicious about how you’re signing in, you’ll need to complete an extra step or two to prove it’s really you. As we work to improve the experience, you may see some of those changes

You’re wondering if you’ll ever need your password again

For the moment, you’ll probably still need it, just in case your phone isn’t around or we can’t reach it. And if Google ever notices something suspicious about how you’re signing in, we might ask you to enter your password.