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

SMS codes have long been less secure than other forms of authentication. With QR codes, Google aims to reduce users' dependency on carriers for account verification.

Currently, Google sends SMS codes for two reasons: to confirm that a new login is legitimate and to block spammers from opening Gmail accounts in bulk. You type in your credentials, and a moment later,

Google intends to gradually remove two-factor authentication (2FA) for Gmail users that relies on SMS. Instead, QR code verification will be used as the new authentication method. Google To Replace SMS-based Two Factor Authentication With QR Codes The goal of this modification is to increase security and lower the risks of phishing and SIM-swapping fraud.