How to Get Two-Factor Authentication Set up on Your iPhone for Better Security
With the recent claimed breach of millions of iCloud and other Apple Mail accounts, quite a few folks are worried about their accounts being reset or their iOS devices getting remotely wiped. Even though Apple has ensured the public that its servers haven’t been hacked, the importance of two-factor authentication is still quite clear. If you haven’t already configured two-factor authentication, let’s walk through how you can get that taken care of straight from your iPhone or iPad.
Turning on Two-Factor Authentication Using Your iPhone
To get started with this fairly easy and straight-forward process, you’ll need to begin in the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
From the Settings app, tap on iCloud.
Next, tap the tick mark beside your name and iCloud username.
You may be asked to enter your iCloud password. If so, go ahead and do so. Then, tap on Password & Security to proceed to the next step.
Now you’re ready to enable two-factor authentication. Just tap on Turn On Two-Factor Authentication to do that.
The below screen will appear, explaining that two-factor authentication will apply to all devices using your iCloud account. Tap on Continue to keep moving forward.
Next, the process will walk you through confirming your device by either sending a text message or telephoning your iPhone. Confirm the phone number shown is correct. The easiest method is the text message. If you choose that, the process will complete itself almost automatically. Once it’s done, you should return to a screen similar to the one below.
Enjoy the Enhanced Security of Your iCloud Account
After you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, you can rest assured that nobody without your permission will be able to sign into your iCloud account. This will protect your iCloud data as well as helping to prevent your iOS device from being remotely wiped without your consent. It’s also a good idea to change your iCloud password now, and at least once a month going forward.
For information about the current threat to iCloud accounts and iOS devices, read these articles
