Google started using two-factor authentication on its services five years ago. Now, the tech giant is making amendments to the system to make it easier to use.

Google's previous two-factor authentication method required users to manually enter a code created by an authenticator app or through SMS. Now, Google is authenticating users through a prompt that users can tap on their devices to approve their login requests. The new authentication method from Google is somewhat similar to the one used by Twitter, which generates a notification that users can acknowledge from a phone to approve the login attempt.

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The new Google Prompt simply brings up a notification that features the user's name, profile image, city, and the device they are trying to log-in from. Underneath the prompt is an option to either Allow or Deny the sign-in request.

The new authentication method works on both Android and iOS devices. However, an iPhone is required to download the Google app on iOS to activate the new security feature. Users are also required to opt-in to the new Google prompt which can be accessed on their Google account page under the Sign-in & Security tab.

The new Google Prompt security feature is not mandatory as users can still continue to use the Google Authenticator app and other two-factor authentication methods.

The new security feature works on both Gmail and accounts for Google Apps. Once the feature is enabled, users will receive push notifications when they try to sign into their Google account. The new feature also supports multiple accounts for Android or the Google iOS app.

Android users who want to take advantage of the new authentication method are required to update their Google Play Services to the latest version.

TagsGoogle, Google update, Google store, Two-factor authentication, Google Prompt, iOS, Android