Considering how critical it is to have an extra layer of protection against hacking these days, most websites and apps support two-factor authentication. Once 2FA is enabled for your account, you must verify your identity with an additional code to sign in. What makes 2FA so important is its ability to protect your account even if your passwords are leaked. Until iOS 14, iPhone users had to rely on third-party authentication apps like Google Authenticator and Authy to generate 2FA verification codes. However, with iOS 15, Apple introduced a built-in password authenticator to make it even easier and more secure for users to sign in to their accounts. If you want to give it a try, here’s how to use the built-in password authenticator in iOS 15 on iPhone and iPad.
How to Use Built-in Password Authenticator on iPhone and iPad (2021)
To get started, let’s first take a look at how iOS 15’s new password validator works! After that, we’ll explain how to set up verification codes for apps or websites on your iPhone. If you want to use a third-party app, you can also delete them. So let’s jump right in.
How iOS 15’s New Built-in Password Authenticator Works
Thanks to deep integration, Apple’s Password Verifier works a little more smoothly than its competitors. Allows you to set the verification code required for additional login security via the setup key or by scanning the QR code. After setup is complete, the password authenticator automatically generates a 6-digit verification code every 30 seconds that you can use to authenticate your password.
You can manually copy and paste the verification code, or let Apple autofill the code when you sign in to a website or app. In summary, the verification process will feel more intuitive, secure and faster. Apple removes the need to switch between apps to get the 2FA code on your iPhone and iPhone. So we recommend installing it for all your apps as there is no added hassle. Instead, it will only help protect your data and personal information.
Set Up Built-in Password Authenticator on iPhone and iPad [Easiest Method]
As I mentioned above, you first need to set up the verification code for the app or website you want to protect with two-factor authentication. To do this, simply follow the steps below:
- Go to: Settings app on your iPhone and iPad.
2. Now scroll down and tap on it. Passwords.
3. Next, what you need to do Authentication using Face ID/ Touch ID or your password to continue.
4. On the next page, you will see a list of all the websites and apps whose passwords you have saved in iCloud Keychain. Now make sure that the website for which you want to set the verification code is saved here.
If there is no website or app listed, “+” In the upper right corner of the screen and enter the website address, username and password to save. make sure you touch Completed top right to finish.
5. Now tap on the name of the app or website where you want to use the built-in password authenticator on your iPhone or iPad. Next, “Set Verification Code…” choice.
6. Then there are two ways to set the verification code on your iPhone or iPad.
- Enter Setup Key: If the website supports using a verification code, go to the website to get the setup key and one from there.
- Scan QR Code: If the website provides a QR code, you can long press the QR code and select Set Verification Code to do it automatically.
Set Up Verification Code for Facebook on iPhone and iPad
I used this social media app for training, as Apple’s password validator in iOS 15 works perfectly with Facebook. The process will be pretty similar for other supported apps. Let’s check how it works!
1. Open the Facebook app and tap the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the bottom navigation bar. Next, go to: Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Security & Login.
2. Now, tap “.Use Two-Factor AuthenticationMake sure ” and the Authentication Application option is selected. After that, tap on the blue “Continue” button.
Next up, you have three different options to choose from when setting up 2FA verification codes. You can choose from the following:
- Install on the same device: Select this option to set the verification code for Facebook using the built-in password authenticator on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scan QR Code: If you have Facebook open in Safari, long press the QR code and select Open in “Settings”.
- Copy the code: Finally, you also have the option to copy a unique code and enter it in Settings.
All three methods of setting up password authentication are easy and reliable. Therefore, you can choose any of the methods based on convenience (and availability). I will copy the key for the purpose of this guide.
4. Next, navigate to: Settings -> Passwords -> Facebook -> Setup Verification Code > Enter Setup Key.
5. Next, paste the key you copied in the step above and click “OK” to approve. Next up, the built-in password authenticator on your iPhone or iPad will automatically generate a 6-digit verification code. You can then copy and paste this code to verify your input, or see Apple autofill the code for you.
Note: Note that a verification code is only valid for 30 seconds.
6. Then simply copy and paste the verification code to Facebook to authenticate your login attempt. This much. You have successfully set up the built-in password authenticator in iOS 15 on iPhone and iPad.
That is all! From now on, when you’re asked to verify your password, take advantage of the autofill feature to fill in verification codes when you log into Facebook. Of course, you can also manually copy the verification code from Settings -> Passwords and then paste it.
How to Delete Password Authenticator Setting for an App in iOS 15
While the password authenticator on iPhone and iPad running the latest iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 versions is really handy, you may want to remove the verification code settings for an app in the future. If that day comes, you can follow these steps to clear two-factor authentication settings for an app in iOS 15:
1. Go to Settings -> Passwords. After the Face ID/ Touch ID verification, tap the name of the app you want to delete the verification code.
2. Next, tap “Edit” in the upper right corner.
3. Next, Tap the “-” (minus) button Below the verification code section to reveal the “Delete” button.
4. Finally, tap the “Delete” button. From the pop-up message that appears “Delete Verification Code” choice.
And that’s it. You no longer use Apple’s built-in password validator for 2FA verification codes for that app.
Use the Built-in Password Validator Like a Pro in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
So this is the way to make the most of the built-in password authenticator in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to securely sign in to websites and apps. It’s always better to have a native and integrated alternative, especially for something as sensitive as password authentication on your device. That’s why I welcome this brand new security feature. And I’m sure many of you will appreciate it too. Anyway, try Apple’s password validator and let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If you want to learn how to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other popular apps, then we’ve got you covered.
