What if I can't access a trusted device or didn't receive a verification code?
If you're signing in and don’t have a trusted device handy that can display verification codes, you can have a code sent to your trusted phone number via text message or an automated phone call instead. Click Didn't Get a Code on the sign in screen and choose to send a code to your trusted phone number. You can also get a code directly from Settings on a trusted device.Learn how to get a verification code.
If you use iOS 11.3 or later on your iPhone, you might not need to enter a verification code. In some cases, your trusted phone number can be automatically verified in the background on your iPhone. It’s one less thing to do, and your account is still protected with two-factor authentication.
If I can't sign in, how do I regain access to my account?
If you can’t sign in, access a trusted device, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you canrequest account recovery to regain access to your account. Account recovery is an automatic process designed to get you back in to your account as quickly as possible while denying access to anyone who might be pretending to be you. It might take a few days—or longer—depending on what specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.
Do I still need to remember any security questions?
No. With two-factor authentication, you don't need to remember any security questions. We verify your identity exclusively using your password and verification codes sent to your trusted devices and phone numbers. When you enroll in two-factor authentication, we keep your old security questions on file for two weeks in case you need to return your account to its previous security settings. After that, they're deleted.
Can Apple Support help me regain access to my account?
Apple Support can answer your questions about the account recovery process, but can't verify your identity or expedite the process in any way.
What are the system requirements for two-factor authentication?
For the best experience, make sure that you meet these system requirements on all of the devices you use with your Apple ID:
- iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9 and later
- Mac with OS X El Capitan and iTunes 12.3 and later
- Apple Watch with watchOS 2 and later
- Apple TV HD with tvOS
- Windows PC with iCloud for Windows 5 and iTunes 12.3.3 and later
Can Apple IDs created for children use two-factor authentication?
Yes. Any Apple ID that meets the basic system requirements can enroll in two-factor authentication. Learn more aboutwho can use two-factor authentication.
What if I don’t recognize the location shown in my sign in notification?
When you sign in on a new device, you’ll get a notification on your other trusted devices that includes a map showing the approximate location of the new device. This is an approximate location based on the IP address the device is currently using, rather than the exact location of the device. The location shown might reflect the network you're connected to, and not your physical location.
If you know you’re the person trying to sign in but you don’t recognize the location shown, you can still tap Allow and continue signing in. However, if you ever see a notification that your Apple ID is being used to sign in on a new device and you're not the one signing in, tap Don’t Allow to block the sign in attempt.
What if I use two-factor authentication on a device running older software?
If you use two-factor authentication with devices running older OS versions—like an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation)—you might be asked to add your six-digit verification code to the end of your password when signing in.Get your verification codefrom a trusted device running iOS 9 and later or OS X El Capitan and later, or have it sent to your trusted phone number. Then type your password followed by the six-digit verification code directly into the password field.
Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on?
If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off. Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information. If you recently updated your account, you can unenroll for two weeks. Just open your enrollment confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings. Keep in mind, this makes your account less secure and means that you can't use features that require higher security.
Is this different than Apple’s current two-step verification feature?
Yes. Two-factor authentication is built directly into iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and Apple’s web sites. It uses different methods to trust devices and deliver verification codes, and offers a more streamlined user experience. You need two-factor authentication to use certain features that require improved security.
The older two-step verification feature continues to work separately for users who are already enrolled.