Protect Your Apple Account with 2-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security for your Apple Account designed to ensure that you’re the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password.

With 2FA enabled, here’s what you need when you sign in to your Apple Account for the first time on a new device or on the web:

• Your Apple Account password
• The six-digit verification code that’s automatically displayed on your trusted devices or sent to your trusted phone number.

For most accounts, 2-factor authentication is now the default security method. Certain Apple services and features, such as Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple, require 2FA. In addition, Apple recommends that you keep your devices secure by:

• Protecting your device with a passcode (or login password on Mac)
• Enabling Face ID, Touch ID, or Optic ID — if your device supports it

When you sign in to your Apple Account on a new device or the web, you might need to enter a verification code. After you sign in the first time, you won’t be asked for a verification code on that device again unless:

• You sign out of Apple Account completely on that device
• You erase the device
• You need to change your password for security reasons

The following Apple tutorial video explains how to turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple Account if it isn’t already enabled.