SMS codes in Messages and Mail
The Messages and Mail apps on iOS can quickly become cluttered with SMS codes for two-factor authentication, but iOS 17 can automatically delete them. Here’s where to find it.
When users attempt to log in to an account with SMS 2FA enabled, they are prompted to enter their username and password as usual. Along with these credentials, the service sends a unique one-time verification code via SMS to the user’s registered mobile number.
The user must then retrieve the code from their SMS messages and enter it into the login interface within a specified time frame. If the entered code matches the one sent by the service, the user is granted access to their account.
This two-step verification process helps ensure that even if an attacker obtains the user’s password, they still need physical access to the user’s mobile phone to retrieve the verification code. SMS 2FA is widely used by various online platforms, including social media networks, banking services, email providers, and more, to enhance the security of user accounts and protect against unauthorized access.
Besides the Messages app, iOS 17 can automatically delete two-factor authentication codes in Mail. It’s a seamless experience once you turn it on, and it’s an excellent way to remove clutter from one-time passcodes.
