Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple ID designed to ensure that you’re the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. It protects your account by requiring a password and access to either a trusted device or verification code delivered via SMS or phone call. Requiring more than just your password to access your account improves the security of your Apple ID and all personal information you store with Apple.

A trusted device is an iOS device or a Mac on which you’ve signed in with your developer Apple ID using two-factor authentication. It’s a device we know is yours and can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in.

A trusted phone number can be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in two-factor authentication. This can be any type of phone number you use.

You can enable two-factor authentication on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9 and later, or a Mac with OS X El Capitan and later.

You can follow these steps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to turn on two-factor authentication.

Step 1: Turn on two-factor authentication in Settings

If you're using iOS 10.3 or later:

If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier:

Note: You might be asked to answer your Apple ID security questions.

Step 2: Enter and verify your trusted phone number

Enter the phone number where you want to receive verification codes when you sign in. You can choose to receive the codes by text message or automated phone call.

When you tap Next, Apple sends a verification code to the phone number you provided.

Enter the verification code to verify your phone number and turn on two-factor authentication.

You can follow these steps on your Apple computer to turn on two-factor authentication.

Step 1: Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Account Details.

Step 2: Click Security.

Step 3: Click Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.

Note: Some Apple IDs created in iOS 10.3 or macOS 10.12.4 and later are protected with two-factor authentication by default. In this case, you see that two-factor authentication is already turned on.

If you don’t have an Apple product to use for two-factor authentication, please reach out to Apple’s support team and they’ll help you get set up with a non-Apple product.