Find out what to do if you don’t get the 6-digit two-factor authentication code on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac when signing in with your Apple Account on a new device or web browser.
Two-factor authentication is mandatory for Apple Accounts to strengthen security and increase privacy.
Whenever you try to link a new device to your Apple Account or sign in to your iCloud account in a web browser, in addition to the correct Apple ID email address and password, you’re also asked to enter a six-digit code sent to your trusted iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Vision Pro.
When a code is sent to your trusted device, a popup first appears on the screen saying “Apple Account Sign In Requested. Your Apple Account is being used to sign in to a new device.” There is also a map showing the approximate location from where the sign-in is being attempted. All you need to do is hit Allow, and then a six-digit code appears on the screen. Enter this code on the sign-in page to authenticate.
In case this popup or six-digit code doesn’t show up and you can’t sign in to your Apple Account, here are some solutions to fix this problem.
Make sure at least one of your devices is connected to the Internet
When you try to sign in to your Apple Account on a new device, the six-digit code is sent to all your trusted devices that are currently online.
Ensure Wi-Fi/Personal Hotspot, cellular data, or Ethernet is working properly on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Vision Pro where you expect the code to arrive. Then, click “Resend code to devices.”
If the code doesn’t appear, do the following on the device where you’re expecting the Apple Account verification code and then retry signing in:
- Put the device in Airplane Mode, wait 10 seconds, and then turn Airplane Mode off.
- Restart the device.
- Make sure it’s running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, or visionOS.
Check for any pending Apple Account notices in device settings
You may not get the login code on your Apple device if there is a pending request to reauthenticate using the Apple ID password. To check, go to the Settings app or System Settings, and if you see an alert requesting your Apple ID password, enter it first.
Check if your Apple device added to your account’s trusted device list
Usually, all the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro added to your Apple Account are trusted and can receive the sign-in codes. But you can verify it by following one of these methods.
1) Open the iOS Settings app or Mac’s System Settings and select your Apple Account name from the top.
2) Scroll to the bottom, and you’ll see all your devices added to your Apple Account. Tap one.
- Trusted devices will say: This device is trusted and can receive Apple Account verification codes.
- Non-trusted devices will instead say: This device cannot be used to receive Apple Account verification codes.
Alternatively, you can follow these steps to see all your trusted devices and mobile numbers in one spot:
1) Open iOS Settings or macOS System Settings, and go to Apple Account > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
2) You’ll now see a ‘Verify Using’ section, showing all your trusted Apple devices and trusted phone numbers. These can receive the 6-digit verification code to complete the sign-in process.
In case one of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Vision Pro doesn’t appear as a trusted device:
- Ensure you’re using the correct Apple Account on it.
- Sign out of your Apple Account and sign back in.
- Update the device to the latest version of iOS, macOS, watchOS, or visionOS.
Check Apple’s server status
It’s also possible that the problem isn’t on your end, but rather Apple’s. Visit apple.com/support/systemstatus/ and check if Apple Account, Find My, and iCloud Account & Sign In are available and working properly. If there is an issue, sign in later after Apple implements a patch.
Get the code on your mobile number
If you can’t receive the code on your trusted devices due to internet issues or any other reason, choose to get the six-digit code on your trusted mobile number. It works even if your SIM card is in an Android phone or a feature phone.
Tap “Can’t get to your devices?” on the sign-in page and choose “Text code to” or “Get a call at.” Apple will now send you a six-digit code via SMS or phone call. Enter it to complete the login.
What about generating offline codes in Apple device settings?
Back in the day, Apple allowed generating offline six-digit verification codes from a trusted iPhone, iPad, or Mac. However, that option is no longer available. But if you have an old device, follow these steps to get the six-digit sign-in code for your Apple Account:
- iOS 16 or earlier: Go to iPhone or iPad Settings > your name from the top > Password & Security, and tap Get Verification Code.
- macOS 10.15 to macOS Ventura: Go to System Settings/System Preferences > Apple ID name > Password & Security > Get Verification Code.
- macOS 10.14 and earlier: Go to System Preferences > iCloud > Account Details > Security > Get Verification Code.
After following the above solutions, you should have no trouble signing in to your Apple Account on a new device. And in case you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, learn how to reset it from device settings.