How to use two-factor authentication on Mac

Situations like data leaks, identity theft, account hacking, etc., are no more an anomaly. So user security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) are a wise plan. Maybe that’s why Apple has jumped onto the wagon and integrated two-factor authentication in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.

As part of Apple’s built-in password manager, iCloud Keychain, the 2FA feature has many benefits. But before we hop on to how to set up two-factor authentication in macOS, let’s first understand a bit more about it.

What is 2FA, and why should you use it on Mac?
How to set up two-factor authentication in Mac
Login using two-factor authentication on Mac
How to delete two-factor authentication on Mac

What is 2FA, and why should you use it on Mac?

Two-factor authentication is a verification code like OTPs used alongside passwords to add an extra layer of authenticity to your login process. Consider this as an extra set of locks that keeps malicious parties from accessing your accounts and data within them.

And maybe not for every account, but in today’s day and age, it is wise to secure your important and confidential accounts with two-factor authentication. You can generate the said code via password manager apps or external devices.

And now, with macOS Monterey or later, you can generate two-factor codes and login to websites, apps, and services using iCloud Keychain (Passwords feature).

Interestingly, the feature is synced across devices, and you can use codes from Mac on iPhone and vice-a-versa. Plus, if you use Safari, you won’t even have to copy-paste the code; autofill takes care of that.

How to set up two-factor authentication in macOS

I am using the Twitter web as an example to explain how to set up two-factor authentication in Mac. And while the overall premises remain the same, the method might vary a bit depending upon the website, app, or setting.

Launch Twitter web, and go to the 2FA setting; it usually follows Settings → Security → Two-factor Authentication.
Select the Authentication app from the available options and follow the on-screen instruction until you get the QR code.
Quick setup – On the QR code window, secondary click or control + click the QR code, select Set Up Verification Code, and follow on-screen instructions. If this option isn’t available, check out the next step.
Manual setup – Click Can’t Scan a QR Code and then copy the code that appears.
Now, click the Apple logo from the top → System Preferences → Passwords → enter the device password.
Search and select the website’s login or create a new login.
Click Edit.
Click Enter Setup Key, next to Verification Code.
Paste the code here and click OK.
Now a 30-second code generator will start; click Save to return to the main window.
Copy the current code and go back to the website, and tap Next on the verification code window.
Enter the six-digit code here and click Verify.
Once verified, you’ll see a backup code; write it down in a safe place.

Note: Not all apps, websites, and services support two-factor authentication from Mac. For instance, as of writing, you can’t enable an authentication app for the Instagram web; the feature is limited to mobile devices.

If you are using Safari, the iCloud Keychain app will auto-fill the verification code, quite like passwords, forms, and credit card details.

Login using two factor authentication on Mac

Note: If you have a Mac with Touch ID, scan your finger to auto-enter the code and enable two-factor authentication.

And if you are using any other browser, app, or service, you’ll have to manually fetch the code.

Click the Apple logo → select System Preferences → Passwords.
Enter your device password.
Search and select the website/app/service login.
You’ll see the 30-sec code on the details screen.
Copy, paste the code to the desired location and proceed to log in.

Login using any other browser app or service on Mac

How to delete two-factor authentication on Mac

Before we disable two-factor authentication on Mac, you should disable it from the website, app, or service from their Settings → Security → Two-factor Authentication section; this protects you from being locked out of your account.

Go to System Preferences → Passwords and enter your device password.
Search and select the login credentials.
Click Edit.
Here, select Delete Verification Code.
In the pop-up, click Delete Verification Code again to confirm the action.

How to delete two factor authentication on Mac

And that’s how it is done!

While setting up the two-factor authentication code on mac is slightly tricky, it will make your login process much smoother and safer. Moreover, once you get the hang of it, the whole process will not take more than a minute.

If you have any queries, questions, or suggestions, use the comment section below to share them with me. And if you want to enjoy some more awesome macOS features, go through these articles once.