In an attempt to improve user privacy, Google's Gmail has decided to replace SMS authentication with QR codes.

Google is ditching SMS two-factor authentication in favor of QR codes. The new 2FA method will provide increased protection against phishing and other common threats, but it may be less convenient than SMS verification,

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.