In an attempt to improve user privacy, Google's Gmail has decided to replace SMS authentication with QR codes.

Gmail will soon ditch SMS codes for two-factor authentication, and use QR codes instead. This will reduce the impact of global SMS abuse.

Gmail is to ditch the use of SMS codes for authentication purposes, a Google spokesperson said. Here’s what you need to know.

Google is gearing up to replace SMS text messages with QR codes for account authentication in Gmail. This strategic shift is part of Google’s efforts to enhance the security and efficiency of its two-factor authentication system.

Google has shared more details around its plans on replacing SMS codes with QR codes for user authentication. Read on for the details!

Google will instead introduce on-screen QR codes that will have to be scanned with your chosen authentication device in order to verify that it is actually you trying to log in. This potentially adds an extra layer of biometric security for those who use a facial recognition or fingerprint scan to access their device or applications.

In an effort to curb global SMS scams, Google is planning to shift away from SMS two-factor authentication. Instead, Google will prompt users to scan a QR code to authenticate their phone numbers instead.

The search-and-ads giant introduced SMS distribution of one-time passcodes for authentication for Gmail in February 2011, and in 2018 fewer than 10 percent of users employed it. Google later required multi-factor authentication for most services in 2021.

Google confirmed today (Feb 24) that it will soon fade out its SMS code sign-in method for Gmail in favor of QR codes. The company says QR codes will offer a little more robust security as SMS codes are more prone to "phishing." Google reiterated the same sentiment during its first introduction of passkeys for personal accounts.

According to Richendrfer, over the next few months, Google will be "reimagining" how the company verifies phone numbers. Gmail and other Google services will shift from texting six-digit codes over SMS to sending a QR code that a user would verify.