Apple ID Two-Step Verification Now Available in 59 Countries Including India

The Cupertino-based giant announced the optional two-step verification feature last year. The feature was initially limited to countries - Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, UK, and the US.

Apple Insider first reported on Thursday that Apple revealed the new list of countries where the Apple ID two-step verification feature will be available by updating its technical support document.

Some of the new countries getting the two-step verification feature apart from India, include Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, among other countries. The full list of countries can be checked here.

The optional two-step verification feature for iCloud and Apple ID users requires them to verify their identity using one of their devices if they make changes to their account or make a new iTunes, iBooks or App Store purchase from a new device. If enabled, the new verification feature enhances the security of Apple accounts as it incorporates an extra security code which is only sent to a trusted device via SMS or through the Find my iPhone app.

For those unaware, users can go to the Password and Security tab to enable the two-step verification. Users will also need to register one or more trusted devices. Following this, a 4-digit verification code is sent via SMS or through the Find my iPhone app, if installed.

After enabling it, users won't need to remember answers to security questions each time they set-up a new device with that ID. Apple also sends a 14-digit Recovery Key for safekeeping which users can use to access their account if they forget their password or lose their device.

Also, Apple does not allow two-step verification setup to proceed if the user had recently made any significant changes including resetting his password or selecting new security questions to his account information and puts a waiting period as a security measure.

Following Apple, Microsoft rolled out the two-step verification for accounts last year for enhanced security for its email, storage and other services. Other popular giants using the two-step verification for accounts include Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Dropbox among others.