As of iOS 15, iCloud Keychain can control your verification codes for two-step verification. You no longer need a separate app. In this tip, we explain how to do that. Two-step verification can help keep your online accounts more secure. In addition to a password, you also need an extra security code. This code is refreshed every half minute and is therefore difficult to imitate. As of iOS 15, you can use two-step verification codes in iCloud Keychain. It also works on the iPad and the Mac.
Set up two-step verification codes via iCloud Keychain
Before you can have the codes generated by iCloud, you must set up the account for the website or service for it. Some well-known examples of websites that use this are Amazon, LinkedIn, Reddit and Twitter. It works differently for each website, but the principle remains the same. These are so-called TOTP (Time-based One-Time Passwords).
There are all kinds of apps for two-step verification, but you don’t really need them any more thanks to iCloud Keychain in iOS 15. The advantage of two-step verification codes in the iCloud keychain is that you can have both the password and the verification code filled in automatically.
All websites that support this security provide a QR code and/or a configuration key to link your account to iCloud Keychain. If you have the opportunity, using a QR code is often easier. This is how you work:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap Passwords. Authenticate yourself with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Tap the account in question or save an account to iCloud Keychain.
- Tap Configure verification code at the bottom and choose Scan QR code or Enter configuration key.
- On the website in question, make sure you have one of the two methods at hand and transfer the data to your iPhone or iPad.
When you choose the QR code, you have to scan it from the website in question. The configuration key can also be found here. Your iPhone cannot do anything without this information provided. If you need help on a website, please contact that website. If you want more information about adding passwords to iCloud Keychain, check out our tip.
Use iCloud Keychain verification code
Once you have set up your code, it is immediately ready for use. In theory, it works in Safari as well as in apps, but especially for the latter, it is sometimes difficult. App makers have to build their app in such a way that the iPhone can recognize that it asks for a verification code. For example, at the time of writing, the Amazon app is not suitable for this. Fortunately, there is a solution.
- Safari
- apps
- Alternative
Codes in Safari
Let’s start with a two-step verification with iCloud Keychain in Safari. If you have already configured a website, it should work. It is actually very simple: you log in with your username and password and you continue. When prompted for a verification code, a button will appear above your keyboard. Tap it and you’ll be instantly redirected to the next page. If you don’t see this option, there is an alternative solution.
Codes in apps
As mentioned before, the app where you want to log in must support the verification codes. In fact, it works the same here as it does in Safari. It is a matter of logging in with your username and password, after which you will be redirected to the verification page. A button will appear above your keyboard with the verification code.
The advantage of this button is that you can enter the verification code directly. If you have to go to an alternate app first, the code may expire in the process. If the button does not appear, read on.
Alternative method
If the verification code doesn’t appear for any reason, you have the option to manually look it up. This also comes in handy if you need to enter the code on a device that doesn’t belong to you. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap Passwords. Authenticate yourself with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Tap the account in question.
- Now tap the verification code and copy it. You can now switch to another app.
Below the verification code, you will see a timer. When the counter is at 0, the verification code has expired. If you come to this page and the timer is almost over, we recommend waiting a few seconds for the new code. This way you avoid having to do everything twice because of an expired code.
Using two-step verification in iCloud Keychain is new in iOS 15. It’s one of the ways passwords will be improved at Apple in 2021.
