Connecting your phone number to iCloud involves associating it with your Apple ID for features like iMessage, FaceTime, and account recovery. Here's how you can manage your phone number in relation to your iCloud account:
Steps to Add or Change Your Phone Number Associated with iCloud/Apple ID:
- Go to Settings: On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap Your Name: At the top of the Settings menu, tap on your name (Apple ID, iCloud, Media & Purchases).
- Tap Sign-In & Security: Select "Sign-In & Security."
- Edit Phone Number and Email: Tap "Edit" near the top right of the screen. From here you can add, remove, or change trusted phone numbers or email addresses.
Important Considerations:
- Primary Phone Number: This is the phone number most closely associated with your Apple ID. You can change it in the "Sign-In & Security" settings. Apple may use this number for verification purposes.
- Trusted Phone Numbers: These are numbers that can be used to verify your identity when you sign in on a new device or if you need to reset your password.
- iMessage and FaceTime: Ensure your phone number is selected under "You Can Be Reached At" in iMessage and FaceTime settings so you can send and receive messages/calls using your Apple ID. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and Settings > FaceTime.
- Two-Factor Authentication: A phone number is crucial for two-factor authentication as it's used to send verification codes.
- Recovery Phone Number: You can also set a recovery phone number for your Apple ID, which can be used to regain access to your account if you forget your password and can't access your trusted devices. This is added in the "Sign-In & Security" settings under "Account Recovery."
Removing a Phone Number:
If you need to remove a phone number from your account, follow steps 1-3 above, tap Edit, and then tap the red minus icon next to the phone number you wish to remove, then tap "Delete".
Example Scenario:
Let's say you got a new phone number. You would follow the steps above to add the new number and remove the old one to ensure all iCloud services are properly linked.
