When Google sign-in on a Mac gets stuck on “Verify it’s you,” rejects the approval prompt, or loops back to login, it’s usually a browser/session issue, a time sync problem, or something blocking cookies or pop-ups.
Work through the steps in order. Stop once sign-in completes.
1. Confirm you’re approving the prompt on the right device (and account)
Google prompts can silently fail if you approve a different Google account than the one you’re trying to sign into on your Mac.
- On your phone/tablet, open the Google app or Gmail and check which account is active (tap your profile icon).
- Try signing in again on the Mac, then approve the prompt for that exact account.
- If you have multiple phones, temporarily turn off Wi‑Fi on the “wrong” one so the prompt lands on the device you’re holding.
If you never receive a prompt, skip ahead to step 6 (alternate verification methods).
2. Fix Mac date & time (this breaks Google verification more often than you’d think)
If your Mac time is off by even a couple minutes, verification tokens can be rejected.
- Open System Settings → General → Date & Time.
- Turn on Set time and date automatically.
- If it’s already on, toggle it off and back on, then restart your browser.
Now retry sign-in.
3. Try an Incognito/Private window (to bypass a bad session)
A corrupted sign-in session can cause the “Verify it’s you” loop.
- Chrome: File → New Incognito Window.
- Safari: File → New Private Window.
- Then go directly to accounts.google.com and sign in.
If it works in private mode, the fix is usually cookies/site data (next step).
4. Clear Google site data (cookies) for accounts.google.com
You don’t have to wipe your whole browser. Clearing only Google’s sign-in cookies is often enough.
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies (or Cookies) → See all site data and permissions → search “google” → remove data for accounts.google.com, google.com.
- Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → search “google” → Remove.
Close and reopen the browser, then try again.
5. Disable extensions that block scripts, pop-ups, or cross-site cookies
Ad blockers, tracking blockers, password tools, and “privacy” extensions can break Google’s verification flow.
- Temporarily disable extensions (especially ad/tracker blockers).
- Allow pop-ups for Google sign-in domains.
- If your browser has a strict tracking prevention mode, try setting it to a standard level just for the sign-in.
After you’re signed in, you can re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.
6. Use a different verification method (codes can be more reliable than prompts)
If the prompt keeps failing, switch to a method that doesn’t rely on push approvals.
- On the “Verify it’s you” screen, choose Try another way.
- Try Google Authenticator (time-based codes), SMS, or a backup code.
- If you have a security key, try it on a USB port directly (avoid hubs if possible).
If you can’t get any method to work, go to g.co/recover from the Mac and follow recovery steps.
7. Check for network filtering (VPN, iCloud Private Relay, DNS tools)
Some VPNs, DNS filters, or privacy relays interfere with the redirect/handshake used during verification.
- Turn off VPN temporarily and retry.
- If you use iCloud Private Relay, try toggling it off briefly (System Settings → your Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay).
- If you’re on a work/school network, test on a phone hotspot to rule out filtering.
Final thoughts
Most “Verify it’s you” loops on Mac come down to time sync, stale Google cookies, or something blocking cross-site sign-in steps.
If you regain access, consider generating a few backup codes in your Google Account security settings so you’re not locked out the next time prompts misbehave.