Use two-factor authentication for Apple Account security on your Mac
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple Account to help ensure that you’re the only one who can access your account — even if someone knows your password.
Note: For two-factor authentication, you can use either a six-digit verification code or a physical security key. To learn more about using security keys, see Use security keys for two-factor authentication.
Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple Account
When you sign into your account, you see that two-factor authentication is already on if it was turned on in the past. If it’s not on, you can turn it on while setting up a new Mac, or follow the steps below anytime to turn it on in Sign-In & Security settings.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
If you don’t see your name, click “Sign in”, enter your Apple Account email address or phone number, then enter your password.
Click Sign-In & Security, then click “Turn on” next to Two-Factor Authentication. If prompted, enter your Apple Account password, then click “Sign in”.
Answer your security questions, then click Continue.
Enter your phone number for verification, select a verification method, then click Continue.
When asked, verify your identity with the six-digit verification code sent to your trusted phone number.
You won’t be asked for a verification code again on your Mac unless you sign out of your Apple Account completely, erase your Mac or need to change your password for security reasons.
Sign in to a new device or browser with a verification code
A verification code is a temporary code sent to your trusted devices or phone number when you sign in to your Apple Account on a new device or browser.
Important: When you receive a verification code, don’t share it with other people.
When you’re asked for the verification code, look for a notification at a trusted phone number or on any of your trusted devices.
To resend the code to a trusted phone number, click “Didn’t get a verification code?” in the notification, then choose the phone number.
On a trusted device, tap or click Allow to see the code on that device.
Enter the code on your Mac.
Get a verification code on a Mac
If you can’t receive a verification code on your phone or trusted devices, or if none of them are available, you can get a verification code in Sign-In & Security settings, even if your Mac is offline.
Important: When you receive a verification code, don’t share it with other people.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
If you don’t see your name, click “Sign in”, enter your Apple Account email address or phone number, then enter your password.
Click Sign-In & Security, click Two-Factor Authentication, then click Get a Verification Code.
Note: This option doesn’t appear if you’ve added security keys.
Enter the code in the notification, then click OK.
If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off. Certain features in the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS require this extra level of security. If you recently updated your account to turn on two-factor authentication and then decide not to use it, you must stop using it within two weeks. Open your enrolment confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings.
You can manage your trusted devices and phone numbers on your Mac, or by signing in to your Apple Account page.