iCloud often asks for a 4 digit security code. I have no idea what it is, my code is six digits. What is the 4 digit version and where do I set it or find it?
iPad, iOS 6.1.3
If you have set up 2-step verification for your Apple ID then the first time you use it to sign into iCloud on a new device, or to www.icloud.com on a new device, you will be asked to input a 4 digit code which is sent to the mobile device you nominated when this was set up, and it is on that mobile device only that you will receive a text message giving you a four digit code.
Setting up 2-step verification is a procedure that you would hardly be likely to forget you had done, but you haven't confirmed whether or not you did this. If you did do it and can't receive a code, then you were given an emergency code which you were supposed to write down and keep in a safe place and which you can use instead (using the link for this in the request).
If you didn't ever set up 2-step verification than I don't know what is causing this. Your best bet is probably to treat it as a security problem and contact Support. This Apple Help page provides contact information for various countries for security problems with an Apple ID:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT5699
If you have set up 2-step verification for your Apple ID then the first time you use it to sign into iCloud on a new device, or to www.icloud.com on a new device, you will be asked to input a 4 digit code which is sent to the mobile device you nominated when this was set up, and it is on that mobile device only that you will receive a text message giving you a four digit code.
Setting up 2-step verification is a procedure that you would hardly be likely to forget you had done, but you haven't confirmed whether or not you did this. If you did do it and can't receive a code, then you were given an emergency code which you were supposed to write down and keep in a safe place and which you can use instead (using the link for this in the request).
If you didn't ever set up 2-step verification than I don't know what is causing this. Your best bet is probably to treat it as a security problem and contact Support. This Apple Help page provides contact information for various countries for security problems with an Apple ID:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT5699
The answer is correct within the information available when the OP asked 10 months ago. If a device is asking for a six-digit code it's the passcode set up on that device. If iCloud is asking for a four digit code when signing into www.icloud.com that that is a two-step verification code which will be sent to the nominated 'trusted device' as an SMS message. The message in iCloud should tell you what phone the code is being sent to (giving the last three numbers of the mobile number). All this is made clear in my post above.
When you have a problem it's best to start your own thread, giving as many details as possible, rather than tacking onto an old thread which may or may not be exactly the same problem.
Please firstly tell us what you six digit code is for (I don't mean post the actual numbers, obviously).
Then, can you post a screenshot of iCloud asking for a four-digit code so we have a clearer idea of what is going on? And have you checked your mobile phone for text messages from Apple?
I Have a 9 digit alphanumeric code for Apple iTunes that seems to go throughout Apple. I have a 6 digit code for my iPhone. When iCloud asks me to sign in for acces they promp with 4 dashes. When I try to use one of my 6 digit codes they reply "doesn't match code on file". Then they send a 6 digit code to one of my devices which doesn't work either. My wife's phone is in my family cloud and she has a 4 digit code. It doesn't work on my 4 digit request to enter my cloud. My MacBook always gets in with my Apple ID (9 digits). My iPhone is new to the cloud and is supposed to back up to the cloud. The request for code always comes to my iPhone.
Since last reply I have signed my phone into the cloud for my computer and my computer in to the cloud for my phone. Never have I used a 4 digit code with success. All codes are either cloud generated 6 digit codes or my personal 9 digit alphanumeric code but I appear to have cloud recognition. If the source of the mysterious 4 digit code is available I would love to get there and strangle it.
The problem is the device provides a spot for a 4 digit code, but sends me a six digit code. It will be wrong regardless. And it's and endless loop. Sign in with Apple ID, use Apple ID password, then a 6 digit code for 4 slots. And back to the beginning again.
Hi,
I have the same issue here on High Sierra. I cannot be wrong on the fact *I* created (this morning) a *6-digit* "security code" (not what I received for validating the device) for my iCloud keychain but I'm now asked a 4-digit security one when trying to connect to it.
Endless loop is a good description of what's happening.
Best.
Have you set up 2-step verification on your Apple ID? If you do this, then whenever you sign into icloud.com you are liable to be asked for the security code, which will be sent by SMS to your 'trusted device' - basically the mobile phone you have registered with Apple.
The six-digit code you are thinking of is presumably the passcode into your iOS device, which is quite separate.
I Do not know of any 4 digit code. I only have 6 digit codes. Why does iCloud ask for a code I am not aware of?
The question is 'Where can I find the 4 digit code my iCloud ask me' and not what is the 6 digit code!
Please reopen this question because the answer is incorrect. BTW I have the problem on Sierra.
@Stewy771 is correct. I'm stuck in the same endless loop. I cannot get any of my "trusted devices" to produce a code that is 4 digits and now my Sierra MacBook won't synch Keychain without it.
Hi How did you solve the issue as I have it too. Thanks
The request for a 4 digit code hasn’t reoccurred but I mever did find out what it was. I went to the cloud and asked to reset my pass.
iCloud often asks for a 4 digit security code. I have no idea what it is, my code is six digits. What is the 4 digit version and where do I set it or find it?
