Enabling Two-Factor authentication (2FA) as an additional measure of security to protect your iCloud account doesn’t sound bad, but is it worth it?
2FA has become a contentious topic since it was implemented. According to Apple, 2FA is supposed to stop other people from accessing your account even if they know your password.
However, lots of people are complaining about the feature because getting the verification code to complete the verification process isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have your phone.
In this article, we’ll show you the methods to get Apple ID verification code without a phone.
3 Ways to Get Apple ID Verification Code Without Phone
Knowing other ways of getting the verification code can be beneficial because you won’t always have your phone. The options below explain how and where to get your Apple ID verification code if you can’t access your phone.
Method 1. Get Apple ID Verification From a Trusted Device
As mentioned earlier, a trusted device is just another Apple device you can use to get the verification code. There are two ways to get the code from a trusted device.
1. Via Notification
Apple ID verification code will be displayed immediately on your trusted devices if they run on iOS 9 and later, OS X El Capitan and later, iPadOS 13 and later, or watchOS 6 or later. To get the code,
Step 1: Sign in on the new device (either an iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac) using your Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Check for a “new sign in” notification on any of your trusted device.
Step 3: Tap the Allow option to get your Apple ID verification code.
2. From the Settings
Sometimes you won’t get the notification on any of your trusted devices. When it happens, you can still find the verification code from the devices’ settings. The code will be available even if the device is offline.
On iPads, iPod touch or a second iPhone
If online;
Step 1: Go to Settings, then tap your name.
Step 2: Tap Password and Security, then Get Verification Code.
Step 3: Enter the code to sign in.
If offline;
Step 1: Go to Settings, then tap your name.
Step 2: Tap Password and Security, then Get Verification Code.
Step 3: Tap Get Verification Code when you see the “Account Details Unavailable” message.
Step 4: Enter the code to sign in.
On Macs
Step 1: Click the Apple menu from the menu bar, then click System Preferences.
Step 2: Click Apple ID on the System Preferences page.
Step 3: On the next screen, click Password and Security.
Step 4: Click the Get Verification Code button under trusted phone numbers.
Step 5: A pop-up screen will appear displaying your Apple ID verification code. Enter the code to sign in.
Method 2. Get Apple ID Verification From a Trusted Phone Number
Receiving the code from a trusted phone number is a great option if you don’t have any of your trusted devices close by. If you added a family member’s or a friend’s phone number, you could have the code sent to them by:
Step 1: Click Didn’t Get a Code on the sign-in screen.
Step 2: Agree to have the verification code sent to your trusted phone number.
Step 3: A text message or automated phone call with your Apple ID verification code will be received.
Step 5: Enter the code to sign in.
Method 3. Get Apple ID Verification Code From Apple Support
If you didn’t get your Apple ID verification code using the options, then your last option is to contact Apple for help. This can be done by requesting an account recovery.
How long the recovery process takes depends on the specific information you can provide to prove that you own the account.
How to Disable Two-Factor Authentication
2FA on Apple devices is controversial, and here is why. According to Apple, the latest iOS and macOS versions have features that require 2FA to work. Therefore, turning off 2FA is not an option if your device uses the mentioned OS versions.
However, there’s a very slim chance of disabling this feature. You have a two-week window to disable the feature if you recently updated your account. After that, 2FA will be enabled on your account forever!
If you’re still within two weeks of 2FA enrollment, you can disable the feature using the following options;
From the Enrollment Email
You’ll receive a confirmation email after enabling 2FA on your account. Just click the return to previous security settings links to disable 2FA.
From iCloud
You can also disable 2FA from your iCloud.com if you can’t locate the enrollment email. To turn off 2FA from iCloud;
Step 1: Go to iCloud.com and sign in using your Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Confirm that 2FA is enabled (On) in the Security section, then click Edit.
Step 3: Click Turn Off Two-Factor Verification on the pop-up screen, then confirm your choice.
Step 4: Create and answer a security question, then confirm your date of birth.
Why Two-Factor Authentication?
You’ve probably seen the prompt to enable 2FA while setting up a new device and went ahead to Google what it is and why you need it. If you haven’t, let me summarize it for you.
2FA, according to Apple, is a security feature for your Apple ID that ensures no one access your account even if they have your Apple ID password. When 2FA is enabled, your account can only be accessed by you on a trusted device.
With 2FA enabled, you must enter both the password and the six-digit verification code that can be found on your trusted device or sent to your trusted mobile phone number. Doing this on an iPhone or iPad means that you trust the device.
If you haven’t enabled 2FA and are thinking about it, then you should be familiar with the following terms.
Trusted Device
This is a device that Apple recognizes as yours and can be used to get the verification code when you need to access your account on another device.
Trusted devices can be iPhones, iPads, or iPod touch running on iOS 9 and above or Macs running on OS X El Capitan or later.
Trusted Phone Number
This is a phone number you can use to receive the verification code, either by a text message or an automated phone call. A trusted phone must be added to enable 2FA.
Besides your phone number, you can add a second phone that you can use if you can’t access your phone or other trusted devices. The second phone number can belong to a family member or a trusted friend.
Verification Code
Besides your password, this is the code you’ll need to access your account on a new device or browser. It’s sent to your trusted phone number(s) or devices.
Final Words on Two-Factor Authentication
Apple’s two-factor authentication has definitely improved account security, but it can also be an inconvenience. If you’re yet to enable the feature, just remember the following;
- You’ll need your Apple ID password and verification code to sign in to your account.
- You’ll always need your trusted device or phone number
- Always update your trusted phone numbers.
- You can’t afford to lose your trusted devices.
- You’ll only have two weeks to disable the feature, if you at all enable it.
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