In an updated support article, Apple has detailed how AppleCare uses SMS phone number verification to help verify ownership of a phone number in some support cases, while also listing which wireless carriers are supported in the U.S. and Canada. Apple notes that in some cases, users may be sent SMS verification codes to their phone numbers on file, which they will need to provide to the Apple employees helping them with their cases.
“This message will be free. You’ll receive one message per request”.
Apple adds that SMS Verification is however not needed for most support cases and an Apple employee will offer it only when it’s appropriate.
If you do wish to not receive the SMS verification code, simply decline the offer of performing SMS verification when prompted by AppleCare.
United States
If you did not register your phone number with your Apple ID or provide your phone number to an AppleCare employee, you can text STOP to 48369 to prevent further messages from being sent to you. Texting HELP to 48369 will give you additional information.
Canada
If you did not register your phone number with your Apple ID or provide your phone number to an AppleCare employee, you can text STOP to 58369 to prevent further messages from being sent to you. Texting HELP to 58369 will give you additional information.
SMS delivery of verification codes currently works in the U.S. and Canada with the following wireless carriers:
Canada
United States
