Switch from two-step verification to two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is our most advanced, easy-to-use account security, and it's required to use some of the latest features of iOS, macOS, and iCloud. If you're using two-step verification, we'll automatically update your account when you sign in to iOS 11 or later or macOS High or later Sierra. You can also manually switch your account from two-step verification to two-factor authentication when you follow the steps below.

If you're not sure if you set up two-factor authentication or two-step verification, use these steps: 

1. Sign in to your Apple ID account page.
2. In the Security section, look for two-factor authentication or two-step verification, then see if the feature is off or on. 
   

If two-step verification is on, continue with the steps to turn it off, then turn on two-factor authentication. If two-factor authentication is on, then you're already set up. 

Before you can turn on two-factor authentication, you need to turn off two-step verification. Use these steps: 

1. Sign in to your Apple ID account page.
2. In the Security section, click Edit.
3. Click Turn Off Two-Step Verification. Click again to confirm.
   
4. Create new security questions and verify your date of birth. You'll get an email confirming that two-step verification for your Apple ID is off.
5. Remember to make sure that you're still signed in to iCloud. You might be asked for your Apple ID password. 

If you log in to your Mac with your Apple ID, you need to change your Mac login password before setting up two-factor authentication. 

Two-factor authentication is currently available to iCloud users with at least one device that's using iOS 9 or OS X El Capitan or later. Learn more.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

1. Go to Settings > [your name]. If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud and tap your Apple ID.
2. Tap Password & Security. If asked, enter your Apple ID password. 
3. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.

On your Mac:

1. Go to Apple menu () > System Preferences. 
2. Click iCloud, then click Account Details. If asked, enter your Apple ID password. 
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Click Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.

Remember to make sure that you're still signed in to iCloud on each of your devices. You might be asked for your Apple ID password.