After the security breach back in 2013, Yahoo has left no stone unturned in ensuring the complete security of users’ data and information in their Yahoo Mail account. With the complete changeover of its email service, Yahoo Mail introduced numerous features and functionalities to not only enhance the convenience for the users but also the security of the accounts. The two security features added by Yahoo Mail are Account Key and Two-Step Verification. To know how to use these features and the difference between Yahoo Account Key and Two-Step Verification, go through the information provided below.
To Set up Yahoo Account Key
While you have the option to secure your Yahoo Mail account with a password, Account Key is a more secure way to protect your account. With Yahoo Account Key enable, you can access your account using your mobile phone instead of a password. Once you enable this option, Yahoo sends an approval notification to your selected mobile device each time you or anyone else tries to sign in to your account. With a tap on your phone, you can approve or reject the access to your account. To set up Yahoo, sign in, and disable Account key, follow these steps:
To Set Up Account Key from a Web Browser
NOTE: Make sure to have at least one Yahoo app installed on your mobile device to use this feature.
On the Account security page of your Yahoo Mail account, click or tap on the See how it works option.
Next, select the device and app on which you wish to get notified.
Then, click or tap on the Send me a notification option. Doing so will send a notification to the app you selected.
After that, tap on the Approve icon (right-tick mark) on your phone and get back to your web browser.
In the browser, you will need to click or tap Always use Yahoo Account Key option. Then, confirm your phone number, which can be used if you ever lose access to your device.
To Sign in with Account Key
NOTE: To make Account Key to work, make sure that you are signed into a Yahoo app on your mobile phone.
Go to the Yahoo Sign-in page on your web browser and enter your Yahoo ID in the provided field. Then click on the Next button. This will send a notification to your Account Key enabled device.
Tap the notification or open the app and tap the Account Key icon on your device.
Then, tap on the Approve icon.
In certain situations, you might be prompted to either enter or tap a verification code to confirm your identity as the rightful owner.
To Disable Account Key or Manage Devices
You can anytime disable the Account Key and switch back to password-based security. Also, if you are using multiple devices and Yahoo applications, you have the option to change where the notification to be sent.
Disabling Account Key from a web browser
On the Account security page, click on the Manage option next to the Yahoo Account Key option.
Next, you will need to select the Disable Account Key option located at the bottom of the screen to switch back to password-based security.
Optionally, you can also click the toggle to the right of any device that you wish to disable or enable.
Disabling Account Key from a Yahoo mobile app
Open the Account Key enabled app and tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines. For some apps, like the Yahoo Mail app, you may have to tap on the profile icon instead.
Next, tap the Account Key and select the Manage Account Key option.
Then, press the Disable Account Key option located at the bottom of the screen to get back to password-based security.
Optionally, you can tap the toggle to the right of any device you wish to disable or enable.
To Set Up Two-Step Verification
When you enable two-step verification feature on your Yahoo Mail account, you are prompted for a code whenever you or anyone tries to access your account from a new device or browser. A text or call with a code is sent which is required to be entered to get access to your Yahoo Mail account. The number from which Yahoo Mail may contact can be different each time.
Enabling Two-Step Verification
Go to the Account security page in your Yahoo Mail account.
Next to the Two-step verification option, click on the Toggle button to enable it.
Then, you will need to enter your mobile number and click on the Send SMS or Call me option to get a verification code.
Enter the verification code in the prompted field and click on the Verify option.
If you access your Yahoo Mail account from third-party apps, click on the Create app passwords option and follow the on-screen prompts. However, if you don’t, simply click Skip for now option.
Difference Between Yahoo Account Key Vs Two-Step Verification
Though both Yahoo Account Key and Two-Step Verification features are provided with the same objective – “To enhance the security of a User’s Yahoo Mail Account” however, there are a lot of differences in their functionality. The highlights of the differences are as follows:
1. Though Yahoo Account Key looks like a two-factor authentication option, however, it is only one factor. It allows you to skip the first factory (entering password) and only an approval notification is sent to your phone. While Two-Step verification feature provides security to your account on a browser and third-party applications individually. This means that for each third-party application on which you access your Yahoo Mail account, you can create a separate password for accessing your Yahoo Mail account.
2. Yahoo Account Key needs access to the internet on your mobile phone to get a notification, whereas Two-step verification works with or without internet connection on your mobile phone number.
3. The process to set up Yahoo Account Key is long and bit complex comparing to the configuration process of the Two-step verification feature.
4. You must have one of the Yahoo app installed on your phone to use the Yahoo Account key. However, with Two-step verification, you do not have to install a Yahoo Mail app on your device.
5. Once you enable Yahoo Account Key, you do not have to enter your account password to sign in to your account. With Two-step verification enabled, you first have to enter your account password and then the security code you receive on your phone to get access to your Yahoo Mail account.
So, now as you know the configuration process and the difference between Yahoo Account Key and Two-Step Verification, you can choose one of them to enhance the security of your Yahoo Mail account. if need expert call toll free Yahoo customer service phone number to fix email issue.