Apple ID & Two-Factor Authentication

Your Apple ID Is the Key to Everything

Almost every activation — Apple TV+, AirPlay, HomeKit, the App Store — relies on a single Apple ID. This guide shows you how to create one, sign in, protect it with two-factor authentication and recover it if you're locked out.

Create an Apple ID

  1. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Sign in to your device.
  2. Choose Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it? then Create Apple ID.
  3. Enter your birthday and name, then use your current email as the Apple ID.
  4. Create a strong password and add a phone number for verification.
  5. Verify the email and phone number with the codes Apple sends.

Sign in on any device

  1. Open the app or service and choose Sign In.
  2. Type your Apple ID email and password.
  3. If prompted, approve the sign-in on a trusted device and enter the 6-digit code.
  4. On streaming devices, you'll often sign in on your phone and enter a short activation code instead.

See device activation steps →

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds a second check so that only you can sign in, even if someone learns your password. When you sign in on a new device, Apple sends a 6-digit code to a device you already trust.

  1. Go to Settings › [your name] › Sign-In & Security.
  2. Tap Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts.
  3. Add and confirm a trusted phone number that can receive codes by text or call.
  4. From now on, approve new sign-ins from a trusted device and enter the displayed code.
Good to know: a verification code is only valid for a few minutes and for one sign-in. If it doesn't work, request a new one rather than re-using the old code.

Reset a forgotten password

  1. On a trusted device, open Settings › [your name] › Sign-In & Security › Change Password.
  2. Or visit iforgot.apple.com from any browser.
  3. Follow the identity checks and create a new password.
  4. Sign in again everywhere with the new password.

Manage trusted devices

  • See every device signed in to your Apple ID under Settings › [your name].
  • Tap any device to view its model, OS version and trusted status.
  • Remove a device you no longer use to keep your account secure.
  • Keep at least one trusted phone number up to date for recovery.