Trusted Phone Numbers, Why Are They Important?
Trusted phone numbers are part of the two-factor authentication (2FA) system. This system is designed to protect your Apple ID so that nobody else can access your account. Basically, 2FA adds a second layer of authentication to an account log-in. It prevents someone from gaining access even if she or he knows the correct password. This article explains why trusted phone numbers are important and how you can manage your numbers.
See also: How To Remove A Device From Your Apple ID Device List
Trusted phone numbers are used to verify your identity. A verification code will be sent to your trusted number via text or automated voice call to ensure that no one else can access your account. And you can use this code to trust a new device or reset your password.
It is important to keep your trusted number up to date. This phone number is very important. For example, if you forget your Apple ID password, you can have a code sent to your trusted phone number so that you can reset your password.
If you change your number (e.g., if you insert a new SIM card), your iPhone will keep saying “Update Apple ID Phone Number”, so that you have the correct number listed. This is Apple’s reminder that your trusted phone number is correct.
How to manage your trusted phone number
You can have one or more trusted phone numbers. In fact, you may want to add additional numbers. For example, you may want to add your wife’s, husband’s, father’s, or mother’s phone numbers.
You can add, remove, change your trusted phone numbers on your iOS device, Mac, or the web. Here is how:
See also: iPhone virus warning
iPhone or iPad
- On your iPhone, tap Settings.
- Tap your name.
- Tap Password & Security.
- You will see the number under the “Trusted Phone Number” section.
- You can tap Edit to remove your current number or add a new number.
- To remove, tap the red (-) icon. Then tap the red Delete button. A pop up will appear saying “Remove 555-4555? This number will no longer be used to verify your identity” Tap Remove.
- Tap Add a Trusted Phone Number to verify a new number. Then:
- Enter your passcode.
- Enter a number.
- Select how you want to verify this number: Text Message or Phone Call.
- Tap Send. And you are done.
Mac
- Click System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Click Apple ID.
- Click Password & Security.
- You will see a text saying “Trusted phone numbers: 1 or 2.
- Click Edit to view your numbers.
- You can click the (+) icon to add a new number:
- Enter your Mac’s passcode.
- Enter a phone number.
- Select how you want to verify: Text message or Phone call. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Click the (-) icon to remove an existing number:
- Select the number you want to remove by clicking it.
- A popup will appear saying “are you sure you want to remove this number from your account?” Click Remove.
Web
- Visit the Apple ID account page.
- Enter your Apple ID and sign in.
- Scroll down and find the Security section.
- In this section, you will see your trusted numbers.
- Tap Edit.
- You can add:
- Click “Add a Trusted Phone Number…”
- Enter your phone number.
- Select Text message or Phone call and click Continue.
- You remove numbers:
- Click the (X) icon next to the number you want to remove.
- Click Remove.
See also: Phishing for Apple ID Accounts: Scam Emails and Texts