Nowadays, most websites and apps support two-factor authentication, which requires a one-time code after entering the correct password to complete the login process. It offers additional account security. Until now, we had to rely on third-party two-factor authentication apps like Google Authenticator. But with iOS 15, you can now set up and use iPhone’s built-in two-factor authenticator.
Let me show you how to do that.
Extra read: If you do not know much about 2FA, see our guides on enabling two-factor authentication for Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon. You will know what the concept is.
Set up iPhone’s built-in two-factor authenticator on iPhone
In the steps below, I will show you how to set up 2FA for Facebook. The steps for any other website or app are almost similar.
Before you begin:
Ensure to add the password for Facebook (or the app/website in question) to your iCloud Keychain.
Open Settings → Passwords → scroll down the list or use the search box to confirm you have the details for Facebook (or the app/website) added here. Once confirmed, follow the steps below.
- Open the Facebook app. You may also use Safari.
- Tap the hamburger icon (three lines) at the bottom right and tap Settings & Privacy → Settings → Security and Login.
- Tap Use two-factor authentication.
- Ensure Authentication App is selected, and tap Continue.
- Easier Method:
- Tap Set up on the same device → tap Facebook from the list of saved password entries.
- Tap and copy the six-digit verification code.
- Open Facebook and paste it there.
- Note: If you follow the steps in iPhone Safari, press the QR code → tap Open in “Settings.”
- Another Method:
- Tap the long text and copy it to the clipboard.
- Next, open iPhone Settings → Passwords → Tap Facebook.
- Tap Set Up Verification Code → Enter Setup Key and paste the key here.
- Now, tap and copy the six-digit verification code.
- Open Facebook and tap Continue. Paste the six-digit code to finish the setup.
After setting this up, your iPhone will automatically fill in the 2FA code when you sign in to the concerned site.
Delete two-factor authentication on iPhone
You must understand that deleting the two-factor authentication would lock you out if you do not turn off the 2FA feature first.
Therefore, first, open the app or website in question (like Facebook) and turn off two-factor authentication. Next, follow the steps below to remove the 2FA verification code from iPhone Settings.
- Open Settings → Passwords.
- Tap the app or website name.
- Tap Edit → tap the red minus icon next to Verification Code.
- Now, hit Delete.
This is how you can use the built-in authenticator in iOS, iPadOS on iPhone and iPad. If you follow the initial steps on a computer, tap Scan QR Code to scan the QR you see on the computer screen.
Have further questions? Please ask via the comments section below.
Read next:
- How to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for Apple ID
- How to change Apple ID security questions
- Tips to make your iPhone safe and secure
- How to use background sounds on iPhone
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