Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is essential for securing your online accounts. Most services require you to enter a constantly changing 6-digit code generated by a third-party application like Google Authenticator or Authy. However, many users are unaware that Apple has built a highly secure, native authenticator directly into iOS and iPadOS.
Using the built-in Apple password authenticator offers a massive advantage: when you sign into an app or website using Safari, your iPhone will automatically detect the 2FA requirement and AutoFill the 6-digit code above the keyboard, entirely eliminating the need to switch between apps to copy and paste codes.
How to Set Up the Built-In Authenticator
To use this feature, you must first initiate the 2FA setup process on the specific website or app you wish to secure (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, or your bank). When the website provides you with a QR code or a “setup key,” follow these steps on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Passwords. (You will need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID).
- Locate and tap on the specific account you are trying to secure. If the account does not exist in your list yet, tap the + (Plus) icon in the top right to create it.
- Look for the section labelled Account Options.
- Tap Set Up Verification Code…
Scanning the QR Code
You will be presented with two options:
- Enter Setup Key: If the website provided a long string of random text, select this option and paste the text into the box.
- Scan QR Code: If the website is displayed on another device (like your Mac or iPad), select this option. Your iPhone’s camera will open; point it at the QR code on the screen.
Instantly, a 6-digit code will begin generating and cycling every 30 seconds directly within the Passwords menu. Enter this current 6-digit code back into the website to finalise the setup.
How to Use AutoFill for 2FA Codes
Once configured, the process of logging in becomes incredibly streamlined.
- Navigate to the website or app and enter your username and password.
- When prompted for the Two-Factor Authentication code, tap on the empty text field.
- Look at the top of the iOS keyboard. You will see a grey box that says “Verification Code” followed by the current 6-digit number.
- Tap that grey box. The code will be instantly pasted into the field, and you will be logged in.
Because your Apple Passwords are encrypted and synced via iCloud Keychain, any 2FA code you set up on your iPhone will also be automatically available and ready to AutoFill on your iPad and Mac.