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.

Gmail users will soon see a big change in the way their accounts are secured and how their two-factor authenticated logins are handled. Google is planning to stop sending 2FA codes via text message to verify Gmail accounts in favor of security tools such as passkeys and QR codes that users would scan with their devices.

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.

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.