Stop fumbling between apps for 2FA codes. We tested the best 2FA apps that work with iOS Shortcuts and AutoFill — from Apple's built-in Passwords to 1Password and Bitwarden. Here's which one saves you the most taps.
Every time you reach for your phone to grab a six-digit code, you're breaking flow. Open authenticator app, read the number, switch back, type it in — that's three taps and a context switch you don't need.
iOS 17 and 18 changed this. The system can now auto-fill verification codes directly from your password manager, no app-switching required. And with Shortcuts, you can automate 2FA workflows even further.
Here are the best 2FA apps for iOS that actually lean into this.
| App | Best for | AutoFill | Shortcuts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Passwords | Speed & simplicity | Native, zero setup | Limited |
| 1Password | Power users & teams | Full support | Good |
| Bitwarden | Open-source flexibility | Full support | Excellent |
Best for: anyone who wants 2FA to just work, no extra app.
If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, this is the path of least resistance. iCloud Keychain — now surfaced as the Passwords app in iOS 18 — stores your TOTP secrets and auto-fills them directly from the QuickType bar. No second app, no copy-paste, no mental overhead.1
The trade-off: Shortcuts integration is limited. You can't trigger a 2FA code via a Shortcut automation because Apple keeps this locked down for security. But for day-to-day use, the friction is near zero — the code just appears when you need it.
Specs:
Best for: teams and power users who want a full security stack.
1Password has supported TOTP codes for years, and its iOS app integrates with the system AutoFill API so codes show up in the QuickType bar just like Apple's native solution.2 You get the full 1Password vault — passwords, documents, identities — alongside your 2FA codes in one place.
For Shortcuts, 1Password offers URL scheme actions that let you open specific items or vaults, though direct TOTP extraction via Shortcuts isn't exposed. Still, it's the most polished third-party option if you're already a subscriber.
Specs:
Best for: open-source enthusiasts and anyone who wants full control.
Bitwarden is the only major player here that's fully open-source. It supports TOTP storage and iOS AutoFill for verification codes, and its CLI and API give you more Shortcuts automation potential than either Apple or 1Password.3
You can build Shortcuts that call the Bitwarden CLI via SSH or use its URL scheme to auto-fill on demand. It's not as plug-and-play as Apple Passwords, but if you want to script your 2FA workflow, this is the one.
Specs:
The magic is iOS's "AutoFill Verification Code" feature. Once your password manager stores the TOTP secret, iOS handles the rest:
No app switching. No typing. Just tap and go.
Storing 2FA codes in your password manager means putting both factors in one basket. That's a real trade-off. The counter-argument: a strong master password plus hardware security key (or biometrics) on the vault itself is still more secure than reusing passwords or using SMS codes. Pick the threat model that fits your life.
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