It’s important to note that you don’t want to lose your security key. Apple will prompt you to set up two copies to get started, so you can keep one backup in a safe place. But if you somehow misplace both of these options, there’s a chance you’ll be permanently locked out of your account (there may be recovery options, but Apple doesn’t specify what they are, yes). for security reasons).
You also need to follow this process when signing in to your Apple ID in a new web browser, and there are a few places where it doesn’t work (at least not yet). Perhaps the most important is iCloud for Windows, so you may want to pause if you use your Apple account on Windows devices. And you can’t use the security key with Apple devices running older software or with Apple IDs assigned to children.
Set up a security key
The first step is to buy a few security keys, each for about $50 online. apple said you need certified keys to work with the FIDO (Fast ID Online) standard and with the right connections for your device: NFC (iPhone), lightning, USB-C or USB-A only. You can use the adapter’s lock and cable with these security keys, which will make it easy to find keys that work on anything you’ll be using.
With physical keys in hand and the latest software updates installed, you can set up anything from your iPhone or iPad by going to Settings, tapping your name at the top, and selecting Password & Security. Select Add security key for instructions through the process of linking them to your Apple ID. Also, you can review all the devices currently associated with your Apple ID.
On macOS, make sure you’re running the latest software, then open Apple menu and choose System installation. Click your name at the top of the left navigation pane, then select Password & Security and click Add next to the Security Key heading. You’ll then be taken through the necessary steps to associate the key with your account, and you’ll be shown the devices you’re using with your Apple ID.
You need to add at least two security keys to your account, as we mentioned earlier, and you can add up to six. Go to the same screen on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS if you want to remove one or more of your security keys—you’ll see a Remove all security keys select. If you select this option, two-factor authentication will revert to using the password method as before.
