New Password App for IPhone Makes Two-Factor Authentication Easier
When it comes to protecting your accounts, the general consensus is to use two-factor authentication , which traditionally uses a unique six-digit code that is replaced every 30 seconds. If you want to protect yourself from hackers, this will help a lot… but the process is not smooth. You often need a third-party app, and you may lose access to all your passwords if you lose your phone or the app itself.
With the new Passwords app in iOS 18 ( currently in developer beta ), Apple is making the process of signing up and using two-factor authentication even easier. You can set up two-factor authentication on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and because it’s linked to your iCloud account, it’s secure, supports autofill, and you’ll never lose access to it. Not to mention that it is free to use.
Additionally, the Passwords app now has a dedicated Codes section where all your two-factor codes are listed together. The app also makes it easy to copy and paste codes, even for apps that don’t support the autofill feature.
To be clear, this built-in authenticator is different from your Apple ID’s two-factor authentication settings. The latter sends a code to one of your trusted Apple devices when you try to sign in to your Apple ID. However, this new feature is intended for third-party services that require an authentication app.
How to set up two-factor authentication in the Passwords app
To set up two-factor authentication for a website or app using the new iOS 18 tools, you’ll first need to install the iOS 18 beta by following the instructions here . You’ll then need to add two-factor authentication for that site or app in the Passwords app. The steps to do this are pretty much the same for all websites and apps, although the wording may vary.
Go to the password section of the website or app you’re using, then select the two-factor authentication option. Copy the code that the app or website provides you with. Open the Passwords app, then add the code for the login page and authenticate.
For example, let’s set up two-factor authentication for the Instagram app. Open the Instagram app, go to your profile and press the Menu button. Here, go to Account Center > Password & Security > Two-Factor Authentication and select your Instagram account.
Select Authentication Application as an option, then click Next . Now the Instagram app will show you a unique key. Click the “Copy Key” button to copy it to the clipboard.
Next, open the Passwords app and find the entry for your Instagram account. Click the Edit button at the top, then select the Customize Code option.
In the pop-up window, paste the code key and click Use Setup Key . Click the “Done” button to save. You will now see a six-digit verification code that changes every 30 seconds. Click on the code, copy it and switch to Instagram. Here, enter the code you just copied, then click the Next button.
Once authentication is complete, two-factor authentication will be enabled for your account. You can then view and copy a list of backup codes that can bypass two-factor authentication and that you will want to keep in case of an emergency. When you’re ready, click the Done button.
That’s all. Two-factor authentication is configured. The next time you need to sign in to your account, you’ll see a prompt to paste your two-factor authentication code right above the keyboard.
And if you’re using a third-party browser or app that doesn’t support autofill, you can simply open the Passwords app and go to the Codes section to quickly copy the six-digit code.