With online account hacking becoming increasingly widespread, Mac users should make sure they're taking every security measure available to them. In other words, consider using Apple verification codes to protect your accounts. Keep reading to learn how it works.

iPhone 13 Security
One of the best ways to protect any online account is by using two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA offers hardened security during login attempts by requesting that the user provides an extra piece of information only they would know, such as a randomly generated code from a third-party.

In macOS Monterey and later versions of its Mac operating system software, Apple's Safari browser (version 15 and later) includes a built-in two-factor authenticator that can generate verification codes for additional sign-in security. This means if a site offers 2FA, you can set up verification codes for it without downloading a third-party app.

Verification codes are backed up via iCloud, and once set up, the codes will autofill when you sign into the site using any Apple device linked to your Apple ID. This makes using 2FA on iPhone and iPad much more streamlined.

Enabling 2FA on the Account or Service

First, make sure you have the latest version of Safari (Safari 17). Once you've done that, you'll need to enable the use of a 2FA app on whichever website or service you are trying to secure. Note that if you've already enrolled an account with 2FA on a mobile app, you'll either have to unenroll from 2FA or use the current 2FA code from your mobile app.

twitter 2fa
You may need to explore the security or privacy settings of the site to enable the use of an authenticator app. On X (formerly Twitter) accounts, for example, the 2FA option is found under Settings and privacy -> security and account access -> Security.

Using Setup Keys

Once you've enabled 2FA on the account or service in question, you'll be asked to either enter a setup key on your device or scan a QR code using your device's camera. Note that you'll need to ensure that Safari's AutoFill feature is enabled (Safari ➝ Settings ➝ AutoFill) and the website's login credentials are saved in Safari for the 2FA code generator to work properly.

  1. Open Safari, then select Safari ➝ Settings... from the menu bar.
  2. Choose the Passwords tab, then either type your user password or use Touch ID to authenticate.
  3. Find and open the entry for the site you want to add 2FA to, then click Set Up next to "Verification Code," under Account Options.
  4. If the site offers a setup key, enter it in the Setup Key field. If it offers a QR code, Control-click it and choose "Set Up Verification Code". (Alternatively, you can download the QR code image and choose it using the option.)

safari verification codes

Using Safari's Generated 2FA Code

  1. Open Safari and navigate to the website that requires two-factor authentication (2FA).
  2. Enter your username and password for the website as usual.
  3. When the site asks for a 2FA code, look for Safari's built-in suggestion that appears above the input field.
  4. Click on the 2FA code suggestion. Safari will automatically generate and fill in a 2FA code.
  5. Complete the login process by verifying the 2FA code, and you're done.

In future, when you come to log in to the site or service and you're prompted for a verification code, Safari will automatically display the latest code as an AutoFill option – all you need to do is click the code to enter it into the input field, and away you go.

Popular Stories

apple tv 4k new orange

New Apple TV Expected Later This Year With These New Features

Saturday July 12, 2025 3:09 pm PDT by
A new Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Rumors Faster Wi-Fi Support The next Apple TV will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said the chip supports ...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 16 New Features

Friday July 11, 2025 12:40 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are only two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:A redesigned Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might ...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3: What to Expect

Sunday July 13, 2025 10:30 am PDT by
The long wait for an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is nearly over, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3:Satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages when Wi-Fi and cellular coverage is unavailable 5G support, up from LTE on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Likely a wide-angle OLED display that ...
iphone 16 pro pro max

iPhone 17 Pro Models With BOE Displays Will Be Sold in China Only

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:59 pm PDT by
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models with displays made by BOE will be sold exclusively in China, according to a new report. Last week, it emerged that Chinese display manufacturer BOE was aggressively ramping up its OLED production capacity for future iPhone models as part of a plan to recapture a major role in Apple's supply chain. Now, tech news aggregator Jukan Choi reports...
top stories 2025 07 12

Top Stories: iPhone 17 Pro Rumors, iOS 26 Beta 3, and More

Saturday July 12, 2025 6:00 am PDT by
The iOS 26 public beta release is quickly approaching, while developers have recently gotten their hands on a third round of betas that has seen Apple continue to tweak features, design, and functionality. We're also continuing to hear rumors about the iPhone 17 lineup that is now just about right around the corner, while Apple's latest big-budget film appears to be taking off, so read on...
11th gen ipad blue

Apple to Launch New Low-Cost 11-Inch iPad in the Spring

Friday July 11, 2025 3:40 am PDT by
Apple will launch a new 12th generation entry-level iPad in the spring of next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is said to have two versions of the entry-level 11-inch iPad in development, codenamed J581 and J582. These could refer to different storage capacities – in which case, Apple may be planning to drop the existing lowest capacity option. The current iPad 11 is...