Apple first implemented two-step authentication for apple id account, this security system allows us to verify a login using a code sent to our phone. The system is implemented in many other services and provides us with extra security on Apple devices as well. However, to achieve a little more security, we can use double-factor authentication, later implemented by Apple on all its platforms.
The main difference with two-step verification is that you can only activate a new device from another trusted device. In short, it is the only option (and therefore the best of all) to improve the security and privacy of your data in an Apple product.
How to switch from two-step verification to two-factor authentication
If you have previously activated the two-step verification of your Apple account, what you will have to do is deactivate it to be able to log in using two-factor authentication. That is, you cannot use both security systems at the same time. To disable two-step verification, follow these steps:
- Go to appleid.apple.com
- Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in
- In Security on the right side click Edit
- Choose Turn off two-step verification
How is two-factor authentication activated?
Once you have two-step authentication disabled (either because you had it enabled or because you’ve never had it enabled) it’s time to enable two-factor authentication. To do this follow these steps:
- On an iOS device go to Settings
- Tap on iCloud
- At the top click on your account
- Choose Password and security
- Click on Two-Factor Authentication
- Activate and accept the warning if it appears
- Click on Continue
- Make sure your phone number is correct
- Choose if you want to receive calls or texts for verification
- Tap Next at the top right
- Enter the access code
- Accept by clicking Continue that the access code will replace the iCloud security code
How does two-factor authentication work from now on?
From now on, whenever you need to sign in to iCloud.com in a new browser, on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’ll need a two-factor authentication code. There are different ways to get this code:
- Whenever you try to log in, trusted devices will alert you that someone is trying to log in and show where they are on a map (you can accept and get a code, or you can cancel)
- You can generate a new code at any time from Settings > iCloud > Account > Password & Security > Get Verification Code
So from now on you will have the security and peace of mind that no unknown person will be able to log in with your Apple ID. The configuration process is simple and not at all intrusive, because once you are logged in to a device; you will never be required to do so with a double factor unless you delete all the data on it or log out.
How does this verification work?
Once we have activated this option, you should know that any device that wants to connect to your ID will ask you for a six-number code that you can only know if you have a verified mobile, tablet or Mac. And be careful, this authentication affects any product that we want to use from Apple. What do you want to enter with a browser to iCloud.com? Two-step verification. That you want to watch a movie on Apple TV after activating this security measure? Two-step verification. That on the iPad you are going to buy a new application? Two-step verification.
Basically this is the message that we will receive once we want to use an Apple service on a new device. As you can see, they ask us to fill in those six boxes.
Automatically all iPhone, iPad and computers verified with our Apple ID will receive an alert of the type that you can see just below, where they detail that a new device wants to connect, also adding a map of the area from where it is trying. for allowing that connection because we know who is making it, then we will see a code of six numbers that we will have to enter in the new device that we want to register in our ID. Be careful, because if you try to access iCluod.com in three different browsers on the same computer (for example), as many times you will have to give permission and generate a new code.
