Two factor authentication

Who can turn on two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is available to iCloud and iTunes users with at least one device that's using the latest iOS or macOS. Here are the minimum recommended system requirements for all devices that you use with your Apple ID:

• iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that uses a passcode, with iOS 9 and later 
• Mac with OS X El Capitan and iTunes 12.3 and later
• Apple Watch with watchOS 2 and later
• Apple TV HD with tvOS
• Windows PC with iCloud for Windows and iTunes 12.3.3 and later

We also recommend that you have a valid credit card on file in your account. This information may be requested to help verify your identity if you forget your password.

While most iCloud users can now turn on two-factor authentication, certain account types may still be ineligible at Apple’s discretion.

Some Apple IDs created in iOS 10.3 or macOS 10.12.4 and later are protected with two-factor authentication by default. In this case, you see that two-factor authentication is already turned on.

If you don’t meet the recommended system requirements on all the devices you use with your Apple ID, or if you don’t have a valid credit card on file, you'll receive a related warning message. Read the message before proceeding and consider updating your devices or adding credit card information to your account to ensure the best possible experience when signing in or resetting your password.