How to Set Up Apple’s Authenticator App

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication keeps your accounts secure. Everyone who values their security and privacy should have multi-factor authentication enabled for every online account that offers it. You can usually do this with either your phone number or an authenticator app. Luckily, your iPhone has a built-in Apple authenticator app.

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• Why You Should Use a Code Generator App
• How to Set Up Authenticator App on iPhone
• FAQ

Why You Should Use a Code Generator App

Using authenticator apps for multi-factor authentication makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Having a second factor ensures that if someone obtains your password, they will be unable to log into your account because they would need the six-digit code provided by the authenticator app. 

But did you know Apple has an authenticator app built into iCloud Keychain? While you can install third-party authenticator apps like Google’s or Microsoft’s code generator apps, you can also opt to use Apple’s. Any of these apps are good choices, as long as you are using multi-factor authentication.

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How to Set Up Authenticator App on iPhone

If you use Apple’s password generator with iCloud Keychain, you can also generate six-digit multi-factor authentication codes. You’ll need to set it up for each account, individually. For more Apple security and privacy advice, like how to auto-fill verification codes, be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Now, to get started, visit the website you want to set up multi-factor authentication for. You’ll need to go into your account settings on the website and find the security section. Then, here’s how to set up your authenticator app on iPhone:

1. Visit the website where you want to add multi-factor authentication and navigate to your account settings. For this example, I used my Etsy account, but this will work with many different sites.
   
   
2. Tap the Security tab.
   
   
3. Tap Turn on 2FA (or a similar button).
   
   
4. Some websites will offer different authentication options, such as SMS.
   
   
5. To use the Apple Authenticator app, tap Authenticator App.
   
   
6. The site will display a QR code, as well as a setup key. Keep these on hand, as you proceed.
   
   
7. Now, open the Settings app, and tap Passwords.
   
   
8. Find the account you want to add verification codes to and tap it.
   
   
9. Under Account Options, tap Set Up Verification Code…
   
   
10. Tap Enter Setup Key or Scan QR Code. If your account provided you with a QR code, I recommend that option, as setup keys are usually very long strings of letters and numbers.
    
    
11. Once you’ve scanned the QR code or entered the setup key, the verification code will automatically be added to the password page. You’ll see it under the password. Tap it to copy it to your clipboard.
    
    
12. Return to your web browser, and enter the verification code (if you copied it in the previous step, you can simply paste it here). Tap Continue to finish setting up 2FA for this account.
    
    

That’s how to set up your authenticator app on iPhone. Your iPhone will automatically generate a new code every 30 seconds so the code you need to enter when logging in will be different every time. Next, find out how to share passwords on iPhone.