How to Use iCloud Keychain Two-Factor Authentication

By Parth Shah Updated July 31, 2024 Reviewed & Updated by Paurush Chaudhary

Quick Tips

Go to Settings > Passwords > Choose the app name > Tap on Set Up Verification Code.
You must also enable a two-factor authentication feature in that specific app settings.
For iOS 18 users, the Passwords app can be used for the same purpose.

Set Up iCloud Keychain Two-Factor Authentication

In the example below, we will set up two-factor authentication for an Instagram account in the iCloud Keychain app on iPhone.

Instagram offers support for 2FA for personal and business accounts. We highly recommend setting 2FA for Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and other popular services that you use and interact with frequently.

Before we get started, make sure to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest software version.

Step 1: Open Settings > Passwords > Authenticate yourself and then open the Passwords menu. You will see the list of services that you have added.

Step 2: Tap on the app name to which you wish to add the 2FA. We are using Instagram as an example.

Step 3: Open details for instagram.com and you will see your Username, Password, and then an option to Set Up Verification Code.

Now we will use the Instagram mobile app to set up 2FA in iCloud Keychain.

Step 4: Open Instagram on your mobile and then go to Settings.

Step 5: Select Security > Two-factor authentication.

Step 6: Tap on Get Started and then enable Authentication app toggle. It’s a recommended method by Instagram.

Step 7: Instagram will ask you to download an authenticator app on your phone. Don’t worry. We already have that in the iCloud Keychain. Select Set up another way at the bottom.

Step 8: Instagram will showcase a key to set up two-factor authentication > Copy key > Hit Next.

Step 9: Minimize the app and then go back to the Instagram menu in the Password section.

Step 10: Tap on Set Up Verification Code and then select Enter Setup Key.

Step 11: You will see the Verification Code in the same menu. Enter the same code in the Instagram app now.

That’s it. You have successfully set up 2FA on Instagram using the iCloud Keychain. On the next screen, Instagram will showcase backup codes for emergency use.

You can use the code only once. You can always ask Instagram for new codes to authenticate your account. Write down those codes somewhere and keep them safe.

Repeat the steps for all the major accounts on your iPhone and set up a verification method in the iCloud Keychain on iPhone or iPad. Some services such as Google or Microsoft do offer a way to enable 2FA via text message. It’s a less secure method, and we would advise against using it.