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.
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for iCloud Mail Using a Mac
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Go to the Apple menu and select System Settings.
This option might be labeled System Preferences.
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Select Apple Account.
In some versions of macOS, this option is called “Apple ID.”
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Click Sign-In & Security.
In some macOS versions, you may see this option labeled Password & Security.
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Select Turn on beside Two-Factor Authentication.
Add your Apple Account email and password if prompted.
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Answer security questions and click Continue > Verify when you’re done.
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Enter the phone number you want to use for verification codes and select Continue again.
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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.
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Go to Settings > Apple Account > Sign-In & Security.
In some versions of iOS, this option is called “Apple ID.”
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Tap Turn on Two-Factor Authentication > Continue.
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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.
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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.
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In a browser, open the Apple Account page and select Sign In to log in to your account.
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Sign in and scroll down to Sign-In & Security > Account Security.
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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.
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Make sure iCloud two-factor authentication is enabled for your Apple account.
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In a browser, go to Manage Your Apple Account and click Sign In to enter your Apple Account information.
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From Sign-In & Security, select App-specific Passwords.
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Select Generate an app-specific password.
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Enter a label for the program or service for which you want to create the password and select Create.
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Re-enter your Apple Account and password.
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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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