Gmail to Replace SMS Verification with QR Codes for Enhanced Security
Gmail is making a major security shift by phasing out SMS-based authentication codes in favor of QR code verification. This move, first reported by Forbes, comes as Google looks to improve two-factor authentication by eliminating security risks tied to text-based verification.
In an era where passwordless passkeys are gaining traction, using SMS for authentication is becoming outdated. Text-based verification has several vulnerabilities—cybercriminals can intercept messages, mobile carriers serve as weak security links, and fraudsters exploit SMS authentication for a scheme known as traffic pumping, where they generate revenue from mass authentication messages.
Gmail’s decision to replace SMS verification with QR codes couldn’t have come at a better time. QR-based authentication eliminates the risk of users accidentally sharing security codes with scammers, removes carriers as potential weak points, and reduces the volume of SMS messages sent globally. Instead of entering a six-digit code, users will simply scan a QR code with their phone’s camera, making the process both safer and more seamless.
Gmail spokesperson Ross Richendrfer confirmed the change, stating that Google is working on implementing QR code verification as a more secure alternative. While no official timeline has been announced, the transition is expected to roll out soon.
Although some users may miss the convenience of copy-pasting SMS codes, the shift to QR-based authentication is a welcome update that prioritizes security. With cyber threats evolving, this change signals a smarter, more reliable way to protect user accounts—one that’s long overdue.