Plan beyond your phone's security codes
Prepare another supported way to verify your own important accounts before your phone is lost or unavailable. Apple supports additional trusted numbers. Google provides backup codes. Keep security codes private and make a separate plan for account information your family may need.
- 7 steps
- Official sources
Steps
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List accounts tied to your phone
Review your own email, photo and other important account settings. Note which rely on a text, trusted device or authenticator. Write service names only in your readiness list, so the list explains the dependency without exposing a sign-in secret.
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Review Apple's trusted phone numbers
In your Apple Account settings, open Sign-In & Security and Two-Factor Authentication. Read Apple's trusted-number guidance. If appropriate, add a number you control that is not tied to the same iPhone you are trying to protect.
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Find Google's backup-code setting
In your Google Account, open Security & sign-in, then 2-Step Verification and Backup codes. Follow Google's instructions in your own account. Do not type the codes into this website, a family account list or an email.
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Keep backup codes private
Google says not to share backup codes. Store your own copy securely, following the provider's instructions. Record only that you have arranged a backup method. A checklist should not become another place where someone can find the codes themselves.
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Remember that each code changes
A used Google backup code becomes inactive. When reviewing your own arrangements, check that you know which current set you retained. Avoid testing by using a code casually and then assuming that same code remains available for a real problem.
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Distinguish recovery from family access
These methods help you verify your own account. They do not appoint a person to act after your death. Prepare Apple Legacy Contact or Google Inactive Account Manager separately for the account information you want shared later.
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Review whenever your number changes
Before replacing a phone or giving up a number, revisit your recovery methods in each important account. Keep the old service until the carrier's transfer process is complete. Add this review to your phone-line instructions, without including credentials.
Good to know
Are backup codes passwords?
They are sensitive sign-in information. Treat them as private, even though they serve a different purpose from your regular password. This page helps you record that a recovery method exists. It does not collect, display or store the method's codes.
Does one Google backup code work repeatedly?
No. Google says a code becomes inactive after you use it. Follow the provider's instructions for obtaining and keeping a current set. Do not keep a copied note that wrongly labels an already used code as available.
Should I send backup codes to my family?
No. Google explicitly says not to share them. For family preparation, choose supported legacy or data-sharing arrangements separately. Tell your family where its own copies and provider instructions are, without turning account recovery into an informal sign-in arrangement.
Does a recovery contact replace Legacy Contact?
No. Apple says a recovery contact can give you a code but does not get access to your account. Legacy Contact serves a different purpose after death. Record the role you selected by its actual name so nobody confuses the two.
Helping a parent with verification?
Let your parent open and manage their own account settings. Explain the available recovery choices without asking them to read codes aloud to you. Then help them check the family information-sharing arrangements they want, as a separate task.
What we checked
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Apple allows an additional trusted phone number that is not associated with your iPhone. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Each Google backup code stops working after it is used. | Oct 15, 2026 | |
| Google tells account holders not to share their backup codes. | Oct 15, 2026 | |
| Apple recovery contacts can give you a recovery code but do not get account access. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Something wrong here? Tell us.
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