How to Verify Your Apple Account (Email, Phone and Codes)

Apple asks you to verify your Apple Account by confirming your email, adding a trusted phone number, and entering codes shown on your devices.

Verify your email

1. After creating the account, open the email from Apple.
2. Enter the code from the email on your device, or follow the link.
3. If it did not arrive, go to Settings › your name › Sign-In & Security and resend it.

Verify your phone number

Apple sends a code by text or call to confirm your trusted phone number. This number then receives two-factor codes when you have no other Apple device nearby.

Two-factor codes

"Verify your account" prompts

An iPhone may ask you to enter your Apple Account password again, for example after an update or a change in security settings. This is normal when it appears inside Settings. Be careful with emails or texts that send you to a website to "verify" your account; those are often phishing.

Spotting fake requests

• Apple does not ask for your password by phone, text or email.
• Real prompts appear in Settings or on account.apple.com.
• A link to a site with a different address is a warning sign.
• Apple will not ask for gift cards or payment to "verify" you.

See how to spot fake verification texts.

Verification failed

• Check the date and time on your device are set automatically.
• Connect to a stable network.
• Sign out of iCloud and back in, if you can.
• Use account recovery at iforgot.apple.com if you cannot get any code.

Children's accounts

Child accounts in Family Sharing are verified through the organiser. The parent may need to approve the account or enter their own payment method for verification.

More: iCloud two-factor authentication.

FAQ

How do I verify my Apple Account?

Confirm your email, add a trusted number, and enter the codes Apple shows.

Where do Apple verification codes appear?

On your trusted devices, or by text to your trusted number.

Is an email asking me to verify my Apple ID real?

Often not; check Settings or account.apple.com instead.

Related: iCloud two-factor · change your Apple phone number · Apple code not received.