How to Fix “Approve This iPhone from Another iCloud Device Error”

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Approve This iPhone error

Approve this iPhone. Go to one of your other devices signed in to iCloud to approve this iPhone. This is one of the most common alerts that you will get when you try to sign in to iCloud on your iPhone, especially when you’ve just updated it to iOS 10 and above.

Why does this problem appear?

Although it can be irritating, it is important to remember that Apple does this because your data security matters. This is part of two-factor authentication, which is a more secure way of logging in to iCloud. This method requires another verification, in addition to your password in order to access your account.

To remove this warning, you need to check the code Apple sends to your other trusted device then enter it on the iPhone the message appears. But what if you don’t have another iPhone on your iCloud? Well, this post will also provide you with alternate solutions if you are having problems approving your iPhone from another device.

Read Also: All iCloud problems on iOS 11 and how to fix them

How to fix the approve an iPhone from another device error

  1. Use a verification code from another phone
  2. Use a trusted phone number
  3. Update to the latest iOS version
  4. Turn off 2-factor authentication
  5. Turn off iCloud Keychain

  1. Get a verification code from your other device

Have you used another iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac to log into your iCloud account? If you have a device that shares your iCloud account, it is where Apple sent your verification code. If you are wondering how to Approve your iPhone from another device, simply go to that device and you will find your verification code then type it on your iPhone to enable its access to iCloud.

If you aren’t sure of devices that are sharing your iCloud, you can view them or manage them from the Apple ID website. If the trusted device is running iOS 10.3 or later, the verification code will appear automatically on the screen. However, if it runs iOS 10.2 or earlier, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to Settings > Your Name (Or Apple ID)
  • Tap Password and Security then Get Verification Code. If a message appears showing Account Details Unavailable, tap to get the verification code then OK
  • The message will disappear instantly on your iPhone allowing you to sign in

  1. Use a trusted phone number

If you don’t have your trusted device nearby, you can add a trusted phone number where Apple will send you the verification code as a text. Follow these steps to add a trusted phone number on your iPhone.

  • Tap on Didn’t get a verification code just below the Approve this iPhone message
  • Choose send the code to a trusted phone number
  • A text message will be sent to your trusted phone number with your verification code
  • Enter this code to your iPhone to complete the iCloud sign in

  1. Update your devices to the latest iOS version

Updating your devices to the latest version can solve some of the two-factor authentication issues since it has undergone a major update. This is especially useful if the message occurred after updating one of your devices to the newest version of iOS. Updating the rest will fix this problem in some cases. If you don’t know how to update, visit this page.

  1. Turn Off 2-factor authentication

You can turn off two-factor authentication if you are using iOS 10.2 or older. Once turned off, your iPhone will stop displaying the Approve this iPhone message. Remember that this method won’t work on iOS 10.3 and above since Apple has removed the option to disable 2-factor authentication. Follow these steps to disable it on iOS 10.2 and below:

  • On the Approve this iPhone screen, click Cancel
  • Navigate to Settings > Your Name >Password & Security
  • Tap Two-Factor Authentication and toggle to disable it
  • You will be asked to reset your iCloud and iTunes passwords
  • Once disabled, go to Settings > Notification (red flag)
  • Your iPhone will be automatically approved

  1. Turn off iCloud Keychain

Turning off your iCloud Keychain on your iPhone and MacBook or any other device on your iCloud will help you solve the iPhone Approval issue in some instances. Follow these steps:

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Your Name (Apple ID) > iCloud
  • Find iCloud Keychain on this page and toggle to turn it off
  • On your MacBook, go to the Utilities Folder and disable Keychain
  • Restart your devices
  • On your iPhone, Go to Keychain and then select Approve with Security Code
  • You will be asked for a 4-digit iCloud security code. Tap Forgot code
  • Now follow the prompts provided in order to reset the code
  • Once you reset, your iCloud Keychain will start working on your iPhone
  • Go to your MacBook or other device and enable iCloud Keychain again
  • A notification will show on your iPhone. Enter the passcode on your MacBook
  • iCloud Keychain should now be enabled on both devices and you will be automatically signed in to iCloud.

You Should now be able to proceed without the Approve this iPhone message. Use this guide if you forgot your Keychain password.

Read Also: How to Sign Out of iCloud on iPhone and iPad

  1. Contact Apple Support

If none of these methods worked for you, contact Apple support since the problem could be with your device or iCloud account. While they don’t know your login or security details, they will assist you to solve the issue.

You’ve made it!

It is my hope that the methods above have helped you sign in your iPhone to iCloud. However, if they didn’t I hope Apple support has helped you. If you think there is a better way of solving the Approve this iPhone. Go to one of your other devices signed in to iCloud to approve this iPhone issue, please let us know.