Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication

With two-factor authentication, you’ll need a verification code to sign in to your Apple Account on a new device or browser.

Whenever you sign in to your Apple Account on a new device or browser, you’ll confirm your identity with your password and a six-digit verification code. There are a few ways you can get a verification code. You can use the code displayed on your trusted device, receive a text message or phone call, or generate a code from your trusted device.

If you're using iOS 11.3 or later on your iPhone, you may 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 will still be protected with two-factor authentication.

Use the code displayed on your trusted device

If you have a trusted device running iOS 9 or later, OS X El Capitan or later, iPadOS 13 or later, or watchOS 6 or later, the verification code is displayed automatically on your trusted devices.

  1. Sign in to your Apple Account on a new device or browser.

  2. Look for a sign-in notification on any of your trusted devices.*

    Map with Washington, DC prominently marked on it. The caption indicates that an Apple Account is being used to sign in to on the web near Ashburn, VA.

  3. Tap Allow to receive your verification code.

  4. Enter the verification code on your other device to complete the sign-in process.

*The notification might include a map of the approximate location of the sign-in attempt. This location is based on the new device’s IP address and might reflect the network that it’s connected to, rather than the exact physical location. If you know that you’re the person trying to sign in but don’t recognise the location, you can still tap Allow and view the verification code.

Receive a text message or phone call

If you don't have a trusted device to hand, you can get a verification code sent to your trusted phone number as a text message or phone call.

  1. Select “Didn’t Get a Code?” on the sign-in screen.

  2. Choose to get the code sent to your trusted phone number.

  3. You’ll get a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code. This text message might include an additional domain validation line. This line includes the @ symbol, the website name and your code (for example: @icloud.com #123456 %apple.com).

    A verification code displays on a trusted iPhone

  4. Enter the code on your other device to complete the sign-in process.

Get a code from Settings on your trusted device

If you can't receive a verification code on your trusted devices automatically, you can get one from Settings, even if your device is offline.

From your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch

If your device is connected to the internet:

  1. Go to Settings > [your name].

  2. Tap Sign-In & Security > Two Factor Authentication.

  3. Tap Get Verification Code.

    On iPhone, your Apple Account settings has a button to Get Verification Code

If your device is not connected to the internet:

  1. Go to Settings > [your name].

  2. Tap Sign-In & Security.

  3. A message says “Account Details Unavailable”. Tap Get Verification Code.

From your Mac

  1. Go to Apple menu  > System Settings, then click your name.

  2. Click Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.

  3. Click Get a Verification Code.

    On Mac, your Apple Account settings has a button to Get a Verification Code

If you still can't sign in

If you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. Account recovery may take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.

Published Date: