How to Unlock Your iPhone With a Security Key

Apple continues to tighten iOS security, and iOS 16.3 includes support for physical security keys. If you already have 2FA set up on your account, you’re familiar with logging into a new Apple device using your email address and password and then having a six-digit code sent via SMS or to another device that you're already logged in on. Apple says the security key provides “extra protection from targeted attacks, such as phishing or social engineering scams.” While a scam website or app might trick you into revealing a six-digit number, getting you to hand over a physical object is much harder. If you want to start using security keys with your Apple ID, you first need to have 2FA switched on for your account. How Security Keys Work Generally speaking, 2FA comes into play when you log in on a new device or on a device you haven’t used for a long time—this isn’t a process you need to do every time you open your Mac or unlock your iPhone, as they’ll be designated as trusted devices.