Can I use one-time passwords with Gmail?

Question

I am about to leave for a trip. During this trip, I would have to connect to my Gmail account, and I'm totally unhappy to type my password using public, unsecured machines, potentially having keyloggers and similar nice stuff.

I already use 2-step verification and I'll change my password as soon as I come back, but I'm still unhappy with the idea of using the same password, given that my mobile can be lost or stolen during the trip.

Is there something similar to one-time password system in Gmail?

Answer 1

You can generate one time codes that can be used as part of two-step verification that doesn't require your phone. You can print out a bunch before you go and stick them in your wallet or luggage to use as needed.

Other than that, there are a number of guides with suggestions for trying to stay secure. Make sure you are using HTTPS (default now) and if you are super paranoid about keyloggers you could try bashing a bunch of random text into notepad then cut pasting the letters for your password into the form.

Happy travelling!

Answer 2

I spent much time looking for the same answer, which brought me to this forum.

I am using 2-Step authentication but do not want to use my private password on public computers nevertheless. Google supplies application specific passwords which unfortunately do not seem to work with desktop browsers (Google still asks for your original password).

What you could do if you are travelling is to change your password before travel. Use the new password with the authentication software and re-set the password once you come back.

I found no other solution other than that for the time being.

This might be a good reference: Passwords and codes used with 2-step verification