How do I use a U2F token when adding a Google account to my Macbook Pro

Solution 1:

There isn't a way to use your U2F token in this scenario. U2F depends on browser support, and as of August 2018, only Chrome, Firefox and Opera support it.

As a workaround, you could set up Google Authenticator and use that to log in.

Solution 2:

I looked into the issue you described and I saw on Google's Advanced Protection Program Page, and read that

Apple’s Mail, Calendar, and Contacts apps will continue to be able to access your Google data as normal.

So, that means you should be able to use your U2F key on that application. I would contact Google or just turn off advanced protection program, then re-activate it.

Also, make sure you are on the latest version of MacOS (which is High Sierra 10.13.6 or Mojave 10.14) because that could be the reason why it is not working.

I hope this answer helps

Solution 3:

This is now possible as of macOS Catalina 10.15.2, as Safari has gained support for security keys. When signing in to your Google account in the Internet Accounts preference pane, Safari will prompt you to touch your USB security key after you enter your Google account password, and will then prompt you to allow macOS access to your Google account.