Two-factor authentication, while basically essential for protecting important aspects of your online life nowadays, can also be annoying, especially if you juggle a lot of accounts.

Usually, the two-factor authentication (or 2-step verification, as Google calls it), works as follows: When you log into your Google account from a new computer, you need to enter an additional 6-character code that's sent to your previously approved phone.

Now, Google just added an option to its 2-step verification feature that makes this much easier: Instead of typing a code, you'll just have to unlock your phone and confirm your identity with a single tap.

To enable this option, go to My Account, section "Sign-in & Security" and choose "Signing in to Google" followed by "2-Step Verification." There, choose "Google Prompt" as the default option, and activate a device you will use for this purpose. Next time you log into your account, you'll get a simple "yes or no" prompt on that device; tap on "yes" and you're good to go.

If you have more than one phone signed into your Google account, you can choose which one you want to use for 2-step verification. Image: Stan Schroeder, Mashable

Most Android users who want to enable this option will be good to go; some will have to update their Google Play Services app to use it. On iOS, users will have to install the Google Search app (available here) before they can use the feature.

Google is rolling out this new option gradually to all users, so you might have to wait a couple of days before you see it in your settings.

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