Android Smartphones Can Now Be Used as 2FA Keys on iOS

Google has introduced the ability to use an Android smartphone as a physical key for two-factor authentication (2FA) with devices running iOS. Previously, this feature was only available to users of Chrome OS, macOS, or Windows 10.

Due to certain characteristics of the iOS system, the process differs slightly from that on desktop systems. According to Google’s blog, your Android smartphone must be connected to the Google Smart Lock app.

When you sign in to your Google account on an iOS device, the app can ping your Android smartphone via Bluetooth. However, it remains to be seen how many people will want to carry two smartphones with them at all times.

Back in April, we reported that you can now use your Android smartphone as a security key for two-step verification (2SV). To do this, your device must be running Android 7 or newer. This approach helps better protect your personal Google accounts as well as Google Cloud accounts.