For years, iPhone users have relied on third-party applications like Google Authenticator or Authy to manage their two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. While these apps work perfectly well, Apple actually built a robust, native password authenticator directly into iOS starting with iOS 15.
By using the built-in authenticator, your 2FA codes are automatically backed up to iCloud Keychain, synced seamlessly across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone, and can even AutoFill securely into Safari and other apps without requiring you to switch screens to copy and paste.
In this guide, we will show you how to ditch third-party apps and set up 2FA codes using the native iPhone authenticator.
Where to Find the Built-In Authenticator
Unlike third-party solutions, Apple’s authenticator is not a standalone app you download from the App Store. It is integrated directly into the core iOS Settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Passwords.
- Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
This is where all your saved passwords and associated 2FA codes will live.
How to Set Up 2FA for an Account on iPhone
To set up two-factor authentication, you will need to log into the service you want to protect (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, or a banking website) and navigate to their security settings to enable 2FA. They will typically present you with a QR code or a long setup key.
Method 1: Scanning a QR Code
If you have the website open on your Mac, iPad, or another computer, scanning the QR code is the fastest method.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Passwords.
- Tap on the specific account you want to set up (if it is not saved yet, tap the + icon in the top right to add it first).
- Under the "Account Options" section, tap Set Up Verification Code.
- Tap Scan QR Code.
- Your camera will open. Point it at the QR code displayed on the other screen.
- The iPhone will instantly generate a 6-digit code. Type this code back into the website to confirm the setup.
Method 2: Entering a Setup Key
If you are setting up 2FA entirely on your iPhone (meaning you cannot scan a QR code because it is on the same screen you are looking at), use the setup key.
- On the website or app you are securing, select the option to view the manual setup key (often a long string of letters and numbers) and Copy it.
- Go to Settings > Passwords on your iPhone and select the account.
- Tap Set Up Verification Code.
- Tap Enter Setup Key.
- Paste the key you copied into the field and tap OK.
- Your iPhone will generate the 6-digit code. Copy it and paste it back into the app or website to confirm.
How to Use AutoFill for 2FA Codes
The biggest advantage of using Apple’s built-in authenticator is AutoFill.
Once you have set up a verification code for a website, you no longer need to open the Passwords menu to find the code when logging in. When you attempt to sign in to that service using Safari (or a supported app), your iPhone will recognize the 2FA prompt.
A suggestion will pop up directly above your iPhone keyboard showing the current 6-digit code. Simply tap the code, authenticate with Face ID, and iOS will drop the numbers into the field for you automatically.
Why Switch to the Apple Authenticator?
If you lose your iPhone and haven’t backed up your third-party authenticator app, you can be permanently locked out of your online accounts. Because Apple’s built-in authenticator is tied to iCloud Keychain, your 2FA codes are safely backed up and end-to-end encrypted. When you buy a new iPhone, your codes are already there waiting for you, making device upgrades entirely frictionless.
