Virtual number for iCloud (Apple Account)
Maybe. We haven't yet confirmed that iCloud (Apple Account) accepts callmins numbers, so treat it as may not work. Apple uses a trusted phone number for two-factor authentication on your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), sending codes by text or call.
Updated
Which callmins numbers work with iCloud (Apple Account)
From our carrier's delivery records. We update this when the records change.
| callmins number | Receives codes? | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UK +44 | Not confirmed | $3.00/mo |
| US +1 | Not confirmed | $2.00/mo |
| Canadian +1 | Not confirmed | $2.00/mo |
“Not confirmed” means we have no delivery records either way yet: it may work, or iCloud (Apple Account) may refuse an internet number.
How to set up iCloud (Apple Account) with a callmins number
Get a UK number
Sign up at callmins.com, top up your wallet by $5 or more and buy a UK number ($3.00/month, no setup fee).Enter the number in iCloud (Apple Account)
Go to Settings → your name → Sign-In & Security → Two-Factor Authentication, or appleid.apple.com, and add a trusted number.Enter the code
Enter your callmins number and choose text or phone call. Read the code in callmins and enter it.Lock it down
Keep a second trusted number (your own SIM) on the account as well, so you can still sign in if one is unavailable.
Before you start
Things to know about iCloud (Apple Account)
- Your App Store and iCloud country comes from your billing address and payment method, not your phone number. A US number doesn't change your Apple Account region.
- We haven't confirmed that Apple accepts our numbers; Apple may refuse some internet-based numbers.
A private number, not a shared one
Free “receive SMS online” sites publish one number to everyone, so your iCloud (Apple Account) code is readable by strangers. A callmins number is rented to you alone, by the month, and receives calls as well as texts. See receive SMS online for how that works, or the temporary number guide if you only need it briefly.
Questions people ask
Can I use a virtual number for iCloud (Apple Account)?
Maybe. We haven't yet confirmed that iCloud (Apple Account) accepts callmins numbers, so treat it as may not work. Apple uses a trusted phone number for two-factor authentication on your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), sending codes by text or call.
Why not use a free number from a website for iCloud (Apple Account)?
Free receive-SMS sites show every number and its texts to anyone who visits, so anyone can read your iCloud (Apple Account) code and take over the account later. Apps also block those shared numbers quickly. A callmins number is rented to you alone.
What happens if I stop paying for the number?
The number is released when its paid month ends if it isn't renewed, and may later go to someone else, who could then receive your iCloud (Apple Account) codes. Keep the number for as long as you use the account, or move iCloud (Apple Account) to another number first.
Does iCloud (Apple Account) need a phone number?
Yes. Apple uses a trusted phone number for two-factor authentication on your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), sending codes by text or call.
Will a US number let me switch my Apple Account to the US App Store?
No. Apple sets your App Store country from your billing address and payment method. A US phone number on its own doesn't change it.
More about iCloud (Apple Account)
Other apps
Try a number with iCloud (Apple Account).
$3.00/month, no setup fee. Yours alone, in your browser or the callmins app. Cancel renewal any time.