To set up two-factor approval to your Apple account and iCloud

If you are not using two-factor approval to protect your Apple account and iCloud account, you really need to do so. Previously, hackers claimed to have millions of stolen iCloud credentials required for Apple to pay a ransom. So even as Apple does what it can to protect your data, events like this – even if unlikely – can happen. And with all the valuable info on your iPhone these days, you want to make sure no one can reset it.

But guess what? Using two-factor approval must protect you completely. It’s easy to configure, so take a minute and do it now.

What more is some Apple services and features require You have 2FA enabled in your account as an additional security relationship. How to set it on a Mac or iOS device. (Apple Account users who do not have a compatible device can still use an older two-step verification system. See below for more.)

A Note: Apple changed the name of Apple ID to Apple account in iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia.

iPhone and iPad

Follow these steps on an iPad or iPhone. These steps have finished iOS 18 or later and must be the same in iPados. The device needs to be protected with a password (Settings > Touch ID/Face ID & Password).

1. Start the Settings app.
2. Tap your Apple account profile at the top. Obviously, you need to be signed with the account you want to protect with two-factor approval.
3. Press Registration and security.
4. Find Two-factor approval Setting and turning on it.
5. Then enter a phone number where you can receive an SMS or phone call with a two-factor code. You can also specify whether you want a text or call.
6. You get it SMS or call and enter the six -digit verification code on the next screen.

That’s it! Two-factor is turned on and this is your official trusted device. Next time you log on to iCloud.com or create your iCloud account on a new device, first enter your username and password and then be asked to enter a code. This code comes in a pop-up on your trusted devices, texted/called the number you specified, or you can return to this screen and press Get Verification Code.

Mac

Setting this on a Mac requires almost the same steps as on an iPhone or iPad. These instructions are performed with MacOS Sequoia 15.3.2

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click the top in your profile at the top Apple account.
3. The Apple account -pane must open. Click in the Mian Section Sing-in & Security.
4. Find Two-factor approval Setting and turning on it.
5. It may be necessary to verify your identity by answering your security questions.
6. Enter a phone number you can use to receive verification codes and choose whether you want text messages or calls.
7. Enter the code that will be sent you immediately to exit.

Foundry

If your Mac is running MacOS Mojave or a previous operating system, here are the instructions.

1. Open system preferences
2. Select iCloud. Click Account information button and log in if you are asked.
3. In the Security tab click the button marked Turn on for two-factor approval. Read the message and click Continue.
4. Confirm your identity by answering your security questions.
5. Enter a phone number you can use to receive verification codes and choose whether you want text messages or calls.
6. Enter the code that will be sent you immediately to exit.

What if my device is too old?

If your Mac uses an operating system older than El Capitan, or your iOS device not running iOS 9 or later you can still use Two-step verificationwhich is slightly different than Two-factor approvalMostly because it depends on an SMS that is sent to a phone number, while the newer “approval” is baked more seamlessly in the operating systems. Plus, the older verification method requires you to stick to a recovery key if you ever lose your password.

You can read more about the differences from Apple as well as from our own Glenn Fleishman.

Apple still provides a way to enable two -stage verification by following this link, log in and follow the instructions.