Apple ID is required to use or purchase an Apple service on your iPhone / iPad / iPod / Mac / Apple Watch. In order to make Apple ID more secure, Apple has developed a new method called Two-Factor Identification , which allows you to ensure that you are the only person who can access your account. Have you not activated this useful feature on your device? Start with this article..
Part 1: How does two-factor identification work?
You can enable and configure two-factor authentication on your iOS device. Then when you try to buy or sign in your Apple ID, iCloud, iCloud.com, iMessage, FaceTime, or Game Center for the first time on a new device, you need to provide your password and verification code. six digits. The code is automatically generated on your trusted device. This way, others cannot access your Apple account easily, even if someone knows your username and password.
So what's the difference between two-factor identification and two-step verification? Instead of six-digit verification, two-step verification sends a 4-digit verification code via the " Find My iPhone " feature or via text message to your trusted device. Two-factor identification is a new method of security. So if you are using two-step verification, why not try two-factor identification?
Part 2: How to activate and configure two-factor authentication?
To use two-factor authentication, your devices should be:
- iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9 or later
- Mac with OS X El Capitan or later and iTunes 12.3 or later
- Apple Watch with watchOS 2 or later
- Windows computer with iCloud for Windows v5 and iTunes 12.3.3 or later
To enable two-factor authentication on your iPhone / iPad / iPod, go to “ Settings ”> “ iCloud ”> “ Your Apple ID ”> “ Password & Security ”. Tap " Enable two-factor authentication " and then click " Continue ". Then you need to enter a phone number which can receive the verification code, in order to confirm your trusted phone number..
To enable two-factor authentication on your Mac, go to " System Preferences "> " iCloud "> " Account Details ". Click on “ Security ”, and then click on “ Enable two-factor authentication ”.
You can also sign in to your Apple account and set up two-factor authentication on the Apple ID site..
Tip: Once you have enabled two-factor authentication, if you are using our product FonePaw - iPhone Data Recovery (opens new window) , the verification code is also required when trying to recover data with iCloud backup. .
Part 3: FAQ on Two-Factor Authentication
Q: What if you don't have a trusted device on hand?
A: You can have a code sent to your trusted phone via text message or phone call. Click on " Code not received " on the login screen and choose to send the code to the trusted number.
Q: What if you can't sign in your Apple account or reset your password?
A: Recovering the Two-Factor Authentication account can help you gain access to your account as quickly as possible, but also deny access from unauthorized users who might claim to be you. But Apple says the process can take a few days or more. So if you are keen on getting your data back, try FonePaw iPhone Data Recovery (opens new window) to help you out.
Q: How do I turn off two-factor authentication?
A: Log in to the Apple ID page, then click " Edit " in the " Security " section . Click on “ Disable two-factor authentication ”. After you've set up new security questions and confirmed your date of birth, you can turn off two-factor authentication.
