Apple first introduced passcode autofill way back in 2018 with iOS 12. The clever feature discovers a security code received in a text message, offers it on the iPhone keyboard, and fills it into a form field when the user selects it.

One need not ever switch to Messages nor even view the text message. In fact, one can even silence notifications, such as with Do Not Disturb, and still rely on their device to autofill a security code delivered via Messages.

I discussed this capability in Two-Factor Authentication, noting that sending passcodes by text message is less secure than alternatives. However, the method remains a popular approach among providers that haven’t integrated with dedicated authentication apps or implemented passkeys.

This feature has also worked with Safari on iPad and Mac, relying on Text Message Forwarding. This feature, added in iOS 8 and macOS 10.10 (2014), enables an iPhone to forward incoming SMS/RCS messages to other Apple devices that can’t natively receive them.

Further, iOS 17 and macOS 14 enabled codes received by email in Apple Mail to also appear for autofill purposes. This, however, has been slightly less reliable because Mail doesn’t check for incoming messages as readily as other apps.

In OS 26, passcode autofill is a lot more flexible and works more consistently in version 26.2. On Mac, it now works with third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Additionally, codes can now arrive on iPhone via third-party messaging and email apps like Google Voice and Gmail. Note: This doesn’t include browser-based web apps including gmail.com and other webmail solutions.

Client Notes

Last week, I helped Joe begin to transition from his decade-old iMac to a modern MacBook Pro and Lee migrate to a new MacBook Air.

I also discussed with Gary some alternatives to Adobe creative apps that won’t break the bank if he has to upgrade his Mac.

iPhone Text Message Forwarding Setting

Get Ready

The prerequisites for passcode autofill are pretty minimal. To use on devices besides iPhone, all must be signed into the same Apple Account. To use with Messages, you must also enable Text Message Forwarding in Messages settings on iPhone.

When Messages in iCloud is enabled on other devices, they automatically work with Text Message Forwarding. If you don’t see Text Message Forwarding listed, choose Send & Receive and tap Use Apple Account for iMessage.

Mac Passcode Autofill in Arc

Just Do It — the Passcode Autofill-ing

On your Mac running macOS 26.2, sign into a website that sends a verification code by text message. In this demo, I used Arc, which is based on Chrome.

Watch as the code appears in a drop-down menu below the form field. Select the code and it fills the field. Like magic!

Are you finding passcode autofill to be more efficient than it used to be? Were you even aware of how to interact with this feature before?

I’d love to read about your experience with it and I’m sure some readers will learn something new from you as well.