Your Guide to Activating iCloud Two-Factor Authentication for Extra Security

This article explains how to turn on iCloud two-factor authentication to protect your Apple ID/Apple Account from theft, hacking, and other misuses by unauthorized parties.

Two-factor authentication adds a barrier between whoever's logging in and the account by requiring authentication in two ways, such as a computer and phone. This method is more secure than a password alone.

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication for iCloud Mail

Here's how to enable two-factor authentication for your iCloud Mail account and other programs associated with your Apple Account from a Mac, iPhone, or Apple website.

You must set up an @icloud.com email address before you can use Mail on iCloud.com and turn on two-factor authentication.

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for iCloud Mail Using a Mac

1. Go to the Apple menu and select System Settings.

   This option might be labeled System Preferences.

   

2. Select Apple Account.

   In some versions of macOS, this option is called "Apple ID."

3. Click Sign-In & Security.

   In some macOS versions, you may see this option labeled Password & Security.

   

4. Select Turn on beside Two-Factor Authentication.

   Add your Apple Account email and password if prompted.

   

5. Answer security questions and click Continue > Verify when you're done.

6. Enter the phone number you want to use for verification codes and select Continue again.

7. On your Mac, enter the code you receive on your trusted phone.

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for iCloud Mail Using an iOS Device

You can also set up two-factor authentication for your Apple Account using an iPhone.

1. Go to Settings > Apple Account > Sign-In & Security.

   In some versions of iOS, this option is called "Apple ID."

2. Tap Turn on Two-Factor Authentication > Continue.

   

3. Enter the phone numbers you want to use as Trusted Phone Numbers. Choose to receive the two-factor authentication codes by text message or automated phone call.

4. 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.

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication Using a Web Browser

If you don't have access to a Mac or iOS device, use a browser to turn on two-factor authentication.

1. In a browser, open the Apple Account page and select Sign In to log in to your account.

2. Sign in and scroll down to Sign-In & Security > Account Security.

   

3. Follow the prompts to create security questions and trusted phone numbers.

How to Create Secure App-Specific Passwords

Another layer of protection you can add is to create app-specific passwords for third-party apps you use with your Apple Account.

Here's how to generate secure app-specific passwords.

1. Make sure iCloud two-factor authentication is enabled for your Apple account.

2. In a browser, go to Manage Your Apple Account and click Sign In to enter your Apple Account information.

3. From Sign-In & Security, select App-specific Passwords.

   

4. Select Generate an app-specific password.

   

5. Enter a label for the program or service for which you want to create the password and select Create.

   

6. Re-enter your Apple Account and password.

7. Click Done after you grab the password generated for you and paste it directly into the app you want to use it with.

   

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