Trusted devices

Receive a text message or phone call

If you don’t have a trusted device to hand, you can get a verification code sent to your trusted phone number as a text message or phone call.

1. Click “Didn’t get a verification code?” on the sign-in screen.
2. Choose to get the code sent to your trusted phone number.
3. You’ll receive a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code.
4. Enter the code on your other device to complete the sign-in process.

Trusted devices

A trusted device is an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9 or later, or Mac with OS X El Capitan or later that you've already signed in to using two-factor authentication. It’s a device we know is yours and that can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in on a different device or browser. An Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later can receive verification codes when you sign in with your Apple ID, but cannot act as a trusted device for password resets. 

Trusted phone numbers

A trusted phone number is a number that can be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in two-factor authentication.

You should also consider verifying an additional phone number you can access, such as a home phone, or a number used by a family member or close friend. You can use this number if you temporarily can't access your primary number or your own devices.

Banshevus31 wrote:

Why does apple make us use the worst form of 2fa ever? Trusted devices? Who in their right mind owns more than one apple device?

Lots of people do. In fact it's quite common. However, you don't have to have multiple Apple devices to use 2FA. You can use any phone number as a trusted number. I use my work landline (okay, not so useful right now) and my Google Voice number.

With two-factor authentication, only you can access your account on a trusted device or the web.