You can optimally protect your Apple account and iCloud with two-factor authentication. This layer of security is necessary for proper protection of your personal data. The two-factor authentication is an extra security layer for your Apple account and ensures that you are the only person who has access to your account, even if someone knows your password.
The authentication is based on two factors, your password and a trusted device or telephone number. With this identity control you can only log in to devices that you trust. If you want to log in to a new device, you will first have to request a six -digit control code on devices that you already trust.
What is two-factor authenication?
The service can be compared with the first variant (two -step verification). Nevertheless, Apple indicates that the new way has improved, but does not give up what. Apple says: “This uses various methods to trust devices and provide control codes. Moreover, it offers a more streamlined user experience.” In addition to allowing you will also immediately see the location of logging in and you can confirm the login via all your trusted devices such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc. The location can sometimes be misleading, we explain here.
The operation of the service is simple. The first time you log in to a new device or browser with your Apple account or iCloud you have to do two things. First enter your username and password, then a code or telephone number appears a code that you have to enter on another.
Once this process is completed, you will be logged in and you can use your Apple account on the new device or browser. Once logged in, this device is no longer requested for a control code unless you log out completely, the device knew whether your password is changing.
Enable Apple two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication requires iOS 9 or newer, OS X El Capitan or newer, or iCloud for Windows 5 or newer. You can then follow the steps below to call in the service on your device.
Step -by -step plan for iPhone or iPad
- Open ‘settings’
- Tap your name
- Go to ‘Log in and security’
- Tap ‘Tighten two-factor authentication’
- Choose ‘go on’
- Follow the instructions on the screen
Steps for Mac
- Go to  â–¸ ‘System Settings’
- Click on your name
- Open ‘Log in and security’
- In addition to ‘Two-Factor authentication’, click on ‘Switch on’
- Follow the instructions on the screen
For older generations of macOS or OS X you will find these settings via  ▸ System Preferences ▸ iCloud ▸ Account data ▸ Security ▸ Turn on two-factor authentication
Enable authentication on the web
Go to the account.apple.com And log in to your Apple account. Answer your security questions and tap ‘Continue’. Tap ‘Go on’ when you are asked if you want to upgrade your account security. Then tap ‘Work on account protection at’ and follow the instructions on the screen.
Two-factor authentication cannot be activated
Some Apple users cannot activate the identity control in iOS or on the Mac. This is because the option is not visible. Unfortunately you have to contact Apple Support. Tell here that you do not see the options for the two authentication factor in iOS, iPados, and MacOS (OS X). They will then start to solve this for you.
Use authentication with two factors
As soon as you want to log in to a new device or browser, you will have to enter an identity code. This is sent to the devices where the two factors protection is enabled. You will first receive a notification that someone wanted to log in with your account.
The location of the login is immediately shown. This is a location based on the IP address that the device is currently using (network administrator), and not the exact location of the device. Allow this login or not. Then a six -digit code appears that you can in turn enter again on the new device or browser. The easiest can be tested via iCloud.com.
If you do not receive a code, you can indicate this where you have to enter the code. You then have the choice to send the code again or to obtain the code via SMS.
View trusted devices and telephone numbers
Through the Apple Account page Or you can view your devices and telephone numbers on iCloud.com. Log in with your Apple account and carry out the audit. On this page you will find at the bottom of your devices, above that you will find an overview of your trusted telephone numbers. On an iPhone, iPad or Mac you can also consult this via (system) settings â–¸ Your name â–¸ Log in and security â–¸ Two-Factor authentication.
Turn off two-factor authentication
If you no longer want to use the authentication, there is bad news. Apple has decided that, once activated, it is no longer possible to switch off. We discussed why you can no longer do this in this article extensively.
Passkeys as an alternative
Passkeys are based on Webauthn And Fido Authentication, a new worldwide standard for safe authentication on the web. The Passkeys must ensure that you no longer have to use passwords. Instead, you scan your face or finger once while creating an account on a website or app.
The scanned biometric characteristics are then converted into a unique code. This code is then stored encrypted in the iCloud key ring.
A passkey is much safer than logging in with a password. When you log in to a website or in an app, your password will be sent via the internet to a server. Your password is therefore present on both your own device and the server of the website or app on which you want to log in.
It regularly happens that hackers are capturing the entire user database of a server. This contains both the usernames and the corresponding passwords.