If you are n’t using two - factor authentication to protect your Apple Account and iCloud news report , you really should do it . In the past , hackers claimed to havemillions of steal iCloud credentialsare demanded that Apple compensate a ransom . So even as Apple does what it can to protect your data , event like this – though unlikely – can encounter . And with all the worthful info on your iPhone these days , you want to make certain nobody can get reset it .

But guess what ? Using two - factor authentication should protect you completely . It ’s easy to determine up , so take a moment and do it now .

What ’s more , some Apple services and featuresrequireyou to have 2FA enable on your account , as an extra protection precaution . Here ’s how to set it up on a Mac or iOS equipment . ( Apple Account users who do n’t have a compatible twist can still use an honest-to-goodness two - step verification system . See below for more . )

Article image

Two-step verification always sends you a text message. With the newer two-factor authentication, you’ll get this cool pop-up on nearby trusted devices signed in to the same iCloud account.

One note : Apple changed the name of Apple ID to Apple Account in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia .

iPhone and iPad

Foundry

That ’s it ! Two - ingredient is on , and this is your official Trusted gadget . The next meter you sign on to iCloud.com , or set up your iCloud story on a new twist , you ’ll have to first enter your username and countersign , and then be actuate to enter a code . That code will come in a pop - up on your trust devices , texted / phone to the number you provide , or , you could come back to this screen and tap Get Verification Code .

Mac

arrange this up on a Mac requires closely the same steps as on an iPhone or iPad . These instructions are done with macOS Sequoia 15.3.2

If your Mac is running macOS Mojave or an earlier operating organization , here are the instruction .

What if my device is too old?

If your Mac is using an operating system of rules older than El Capitan , or your iOS gadget is n’t running iOS 9 or later , you could still usetwo - step check , which is slightly different thantwo - factor assay-mark , mostly because it swear on a school text message being sent to a phone number , while the newer “ authentication ” is baked more seamlessly into the operating systems . Plus , the sure-enough verification method acting need you to hold onto aRecovery Keyin font you ever turn a loss your password .

Two - step verification always send you a schoolbook content . With the newer two - factor authentication , you ’ll get this cool pop - up on nearby desire machine signed in to the same iCloud account .

you could readmore about the differences from Appleas well asfrom our own Glenn Fleishman .

iOS 18 2fa two factor authentication

Two-step verification always sends you a text message. With the newer two-factor authentication, you’ll get this cool pop-up on nearby trusted devices signed in to the same iCloud account.

Apple still ply a way to enable two - whole step substantiation , by followingthis inter-group communication , signing in , and following the instructions .

macOS SEquoia 2fa

two factor mac popup

Two-step verification always sends you a text message. With the newer two-factor authentication, you’ll get this cool pop-up on nearby trusted devices signed in to the same iCloud account.