Two-factor authentication is a security method that requires two forms of identification before granting access to something. In the case of your iPhone, this extra layer of security keeps your device and data safe even when your password is compromised.
Well, then how do you find the verification code on your iPhone? There are mainly have three ways to find verification codes for your iPhone: automatic pop-ups on your trusted Apple devices, manual receiving with the Settings app or System Preferences, or via SMS or voice call on your associated phone number.
Let’s guide you through each option so you can get instant access to your account regardless of your situation.
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How Do I Find My Verification Code for iPhone Login?
Listed below are three methods you can use to find the verification code for iPhone or any other iOS device login:
Method 1: Automatic Pop-Up Notification on Trusted Devices
This is the simplest method and only takes a few seconds. When you try to log in to your iPhone with your Apple ID and password, a verification code is automatically sent to all of your other trusted devices (like an iPad, Mac, or Apple watch). The code appears as a pop-up on that device once you allow it.
However, this pop-up appears only on Apple devices connected to the internet and running on-
- iOS 9 or newer
- iPadOS 13 or newer
- OS X El Capitan or newer
- watchOS 6 or newer
Here’s how you do it.
- Log into your Apple ID with your credentials on the new device or web browser.
- Wait for the pop-up notification to appear on any of your devices set up as trusted.
- On the pop-up, Tap or click on Allow for your verification code to appear.
- Take note of the verification code and input it on the new device to finish signing in.
Method 2: Get the Verification Code from Settings or System Preferences
If you’re having trouble receiving the verification code pop-up notification on your trusted devices like if it’s running on an older OS or for some other reason, you can still get the code manually by going into Settings or System Preferences.
Through the Settings App on iPhones, iPads, or iPod Touch
Here’s how to find your verification code in Settings when you have access to the internet:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Tap or click on your Apple ID banner at the top of the screen.
- Select Password and Security.
- Scroll down to “Get Verification Code” and tap it.
5. Get Verification Code.
When you don’t have access to the internet, the ‘Get Verification Code’ will be hidden under ‘Account Details Unavailable.’ Simply tap on it to reveal the option and tap again to get the code.
Through System Preferences on Mac
Here’s how to find the verification code on your Mac. However, it works only when you have access to the internet.
- Click the Apple menu at the top of your screen.
- Select System Preference.
- Now choose Apple ID.
- Select Password and Security.
- Finally, click on ‘Get Verification Code.
Method 3: Get the Verification Code via SMS or Phone Call
If you don’t have access to any other trusted Apple devices, you can receive the code via text message or phone call instead. Here’s how you go.
- Click on “I didn’t receive a code” on the new device you’re trying to sign into.
- From the following screen, select the option to receive the code via text message to your trusted number.
- You will then receive your 6-digit code through a text message or voice call from Apple. Additional domain authentication lines may appear in this text message, including the @ sign and the domain (for instance: @icloud.com #345678%apple.com).
- Complete the sign-in process on your new device by entering the code.
Why Can’t I Receive My Apple Verification Code?
Sometimes, you might not be able to receive a verification code from Apple due to several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:
Network Issue:
Poor signal strengths or fluctuating connections can often prevent you from receiving any code. So, the first thing you should do is check if your device has a strong cellular connection or is connected to a stable internet connection.
If you’re using a cellular connection, try moving to an area with better coverage. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, try restarting your router or connecting to another Wi-Fi network.
Airplane Mode Turned On:
If you’re not receiving the verification code on your iPhone or other Apple devices, it’s possible that Airplane Mode is turned on. This feature disables all wireless connections on your device, including cellular data and Wi-Fi.
Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off by opening the Control Center and tapping the Airplane Mode icon.
Do Not Disturb Mode Turned On:
Another feature that could be preventing you from receiving verification codes is Do Not Disturb Mode. This mode silences all incoming calls and notifications, so you won’t receive any alerts when the verification code arrives.
Incorrect Date and Time:
If your device’s date is set to a previous or later date, you won’t be able to perform any network-related actions at all, including receiving calls and text messages.
Besides, the code sent from Apple is only valid for a limited time, so if your device’s date and time are incorrect, the code will expire before you can use it.
Incorrect Phone Number:
When trying to receive the verification code via SMS or phone call, make sure that the phone number you’re using is associated with your Apple ID. If the phone number isn’t associated with your Apple ID, you won’t receive the verification code.
Blocked Text Messages:
It’s also possible that your carrier is blocking text messages from Apple. This can be either because of tweaking settings on your device (maybe you added Apple to your blacklist accidentally) or because of a carrier-wide issue.
If you think this might be the case, try sending yourself a text message from another device. If you’re able to receive it, then the issue is with Apple and not your carrier. And if you still can’t receive the verification code, try contacting your carrier to see if they can help.
Call/Text-Blocking Apps:
There are also apps that can block text messages and voice calls, so if you have any of these installed, that might be why you’re not receiving the verification code. Try uninstalling any call or text-blocking apps and see if that fixes the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Apple verification codes.
Can you turn off two-factor authentication for Apple devices?
No, you cannot turn off two-factor authentication once you have enabled it. However, you can disable individual methods of receiving the code. For example, if you no longer want to receive verification codes on your iPhone, you can disable that option in the Apple ID settings.
How do I get my Apple ID verification code without a phone?
To get your Apple ID verification code, you can use a trusted iPad or Mac, or you can ask Apple support to verify your identity. For receiving the code on a trusted device, you must have access to the internet.
What if I don’t have a trusted device?
If you don’t have any devices associated with your Apple ID that can receive verification codes, you can still use two-factor authentication using a phone number. The process is shown in method 3 above.
What if I don’t have a phone number?
If you don’t have a phone number associated with your Apple ID, you’ll have to contact Apple support to verify your identity.
Can I verify my Apple ID authentication with Google?
Yes, you can use Google’s Authenticator app to generate verification codes for your Apple ID. But before you can use it, you must set it up on a trusted device and then allow permission.
Conclusion
While two-factor authentication offers you greater protection from potential attacks and data thefts, it’s true that it might be a little frustrating at times.
But hopefully, with the methods and tips mentioned above, you can now figure out what to do even if you haven’t been able to log into your Apple ID from a new device successfully for days.
And even if you can’t get the verification code, there are still ways to get around it. So don’t give up and contact Apple support if you’re really stuck. They should be able to help you out.