One of the many new features in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 is the ability to automatically generate two-factor codes from the system keychain. It’s a small addition that clearly it will be much easier to connect to websites and services that provide this additional security. Let’s see how to configure our keychain so that double factor codes are generated on our iPhone or iPad.
A “secret” that turns into 6 random numbers
The operation of two-factor codes is actually very simple. The service in which we activate it generates a “secret” that it records and shares with us. This secret is a collection of numbers and letters from which 6 random numbers can be generated every 30 seconds. When We enter these 6 figures in the service, it compares them with those generated by it., if they match, because we both have the same secret, we have access. This secret is usually delivered to us in the form of a QR code or, if we ask, in clear text. All we have to do is save it to iCloud Keychain so that it can generate the codes. The steps are very simple.
- We open the app Settings on our iPhone or iPad.
- We entered Passwords.
- Touch the “+” to add a new password and fill in Website, username Yes Password and click Okay or, if we have already saved the password, we touch it.
- Click on Set the verification code …
- We choose between Enter the configuration key, the secret we mentioned earlier, or Scan the QR code.
- We scan or paste the code.
Nothing more. We will see that under the username and password appears a section called Verification code. We will see the 6 random numbers appear that we need to enter to connect to the service. A simple touch on the numbers allows us to copy them to facilitate connection.
In the first beta of iOS and iPadOS 15 to connect, we have to manually copy the code by accessing Settings > Passwords or ask Siri to show us a specific password. We’re not sure if it’s included in Apple’s plans to offer, like SMS code filling, the verification code when the system detects we’re trying to log into a specific website. We will have to wait for future betas and the official release of iOS and iPadOS 15 this fall to find out.
Clearly, passwords are the weakest point of security for many services. Well-used two-factor authentication is a great tool to improve the security of our accounts. It is certainly appreciated that Apple has implemented this system in iPhones and iPads, making it easier to use is essential for more and more services to offer this additional security.
