Strange SMS Verification Codes After iCloud Reset — Is My Account Compromised?

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DrAlgae Author

Level 1

5 points

Strange SMS Verification Codes After iCloud Reset — Is My Account Compromised?

Hi everyone,

I recently had an issue verifying my iCloud account and wanted to check if this is normal or if I should be concerned.

Here’s what happened:

I requested an SMS verification code to my phone. The first two attempts didn’t work (no SMS received).
On the third attempt (after switching networks), I finally received the SMS, verified my account, and successfully reset my iCloud password.
Later, when I checked WhatsApp, I noticed something odd: an account called “Authenticate” with the number +44 *******32 had sent me two different verification codes.

This really worried me, since I only expected the official Apple SMS. My questions are:

Has anyone else experienced this?
Is this number legitimate or could it mean my account/phone number is compromised?
What steps should I take now to protect my iCloud and device security?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Oct 6, 2025 8:20 AM

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Answer 1

MrHoffman

Level 10

153,457 points

Oct 6, 2025 9:01 AM in response to DrAlgae

I’m unsure if the “an issue” was something that had previously happened with the Apple Account, or if the “an issue” is what you are describing here; whether there was an earlier problem, or this is a new problem involving Apple iMessage (Apple Messages app) WhatsApp.

Usual path for Apple Account two-factor verification is via iMessage (Apple Messages app), not SMS. This would also be visible in Apple Messages, and not by some other app. Apple usually uses SMS only as a fallback, or when requested; when no Apple iMessages path is available, and when hardware security tokens are not in use.

Is your Apple Account configured to be in the UK? (In +44?)

Are the SMS messages from +44 (also) shown in unknown senders or all senders in iMessage (Apple Messages app)?

Are the trusted telephone numbers associated with your Apple Account correct?

For reviewing your Apple Account security: Better Securing Your Data, and Apple Acco… - Apple Community

As for what Meta WhatsApp might be doing here, or other issues or questions involving Meta WhatsApp, contact Meta support.

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Strange SMS Verification Codes After iCloud Reset — Is My Account Compromised?

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