Get your Apple Account verification code when it doesn't arrive

Why it happens

Apple sends the code to your other signed-in Apple devices first, like your iPhone or iPad. If those are off, offline or signed in to a different Apple Account, nothing appears. A code sent by text can also land in a filtered list in Messages instead of your main conversations.

How to fix it

1. Check your other Apple devices first. A sign-in request usually appears before the code, so click or tap Allow, and the six-digit code shows next.

2. Nothing there? On the code screen, click "Didn't Get a Code?" and choose to get it by text message or phone call to your trusted number.

3. Look for the text in Messages. If it isn't in your main list, check Unknown Senders on your iPhone and your Mac.

4. On a Mac that's already signed in, you can make a code yourself. Open System Settings, click your name, then Sign-In & Security, then Two-Factor Authentication, and look for Get Verification Code.

   Apple Account›Sign-In & Security

5. On an iPhone or iPad that's signed in, go to Settings, tap your name, then Sign-In & Security, then Two-Factor Authentication, and look for Get Verification Code. Type the code on the screen that asked for it.

Still not fixed?

1. Check your trusted phone numbers are right. On a signed-in Mac, open Sign-In & Security, then Two-Factor Authentication, to add or remove numbers.

   Apple Account›Sign-In & Security›Two-Factor Authentication

2. Make sure your iPhone has signal or Wi-Fi and isn't in Airplane Mode, then restart it and ask for a new code.

3. If one code is refused, ask for a fresh one and use only the newest.

4. Lost your phone and have no other Apple device? Choose the account recovery option on the sign-in screen. It has a waiting period that protects your account, and nobody can shorten it.

5. If you still can't get a code, contact Apple Support. They can explain your options, but for your security they can't skip the code or the recovery wait.