sburech

Q: Abandoning two step verification

I started two step verification but was sent an email from Apple saying I would have to wait 3 days before using the two step verification procedure by signing into the Apple ID account page to complete the set-up process,  but further stating if I was not the one who initiated the two step verification proceedings, I should change my ID.

I have decided I do not with to use two step verification and wish to abandon further setting up two step verification.  Do I just do nothing more and will things just expire after 30 days?  I really have no desire to change my Apple ID.

I also am totally confused as to the differences between two step verification and authentication.  I have a MacBook Pro and Air running El Capitan and 2 iPhones 5s running iOS9.  When I went to Systems Preferences>iCloud>Account Details and clicked security I did not see any button for Two Factor Authentication for my MacBook Pro or Air.  Neither do I see see anything for Two Factor Authentication on my iPhones when I go to Settings>iCloud>my apple ID>Password and Security.

Perhaps two factor authentication is already set up and, if that is what you suspect, how do I verify that this is the case. If so, do I really need two step verification as well?

Any clarifications on these matters would be greatly appreciated. As you can see I am completely confused and apologize in advance for all the questions.

OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7

Posted on Jul 11, 2016 10:53 PM

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Q: Abandoning two step verification

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  • by theratter,

    theratter theratter Jul 11, 2016 11:14 PM in response to sburech
    Level 4 (3,907 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 11, 2016 11:14 PM in response to sburech

    It has not been set up if you have not completed the next step. If you wish to abandon the setup process then change your Apple ID as recommended. Perhaps you would do better calling Apple Support for assistance:

     

    Contacting Apple Customer and Support Service

     

    1. Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.
    2. To contact product and tech support:  Contacting Apple for support and service including international calling numbers.

     

    Two-step verification FAQ Get answers to frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID.

    Apple ID- Turning off two-step verification for your Apple ID

     

    Authentication has several applications, but the most common one is iTunes authorization of a computer for use of iTunes:

     

    Authorization

    iTunes Store - Authorize or deauthorize your Mac or PC.

     

    In iTunes you use the Authorize This Computer or De-authorize This Computer option under the Store menu in iTunes' menubar. For Windows use the ALT-S keys to access it. Or turn on Windows 7 and 8 iTunes menus: iTunes- Turning on iTunes menus in Windows 8 and 7.


    Authentication and verification can have similar meanings: a way to assure that something or someone is real.

  • by Barney-15E,

    Barney-15E Barney-15E Jul 12, 2016 3:37 AM in response to sburech
    Level 9 (50,082 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 12, 2016 3:37 AM in response to sburech

    Two-step verification is just asking you to confirm your authentication with another method, a PIN number sent to your phone or other device. It just uses a single factor (what you know) twice.

     

    Two Factor means you must have two different ways to authenticate.

    The three possible factors are: what you are (biometrics), what you know (passwords, PINs), and what you have (key card, iPhone).

     

    Two-step verification is a bit more secure than a single password. Someone trying to hack you might still be able to guess the two things you know.

     

    Two Factor requires the hacker to gain access to one of the other factors which may not be so easy.

     

    Did you start Two-step or Two Factor? Either way, you can disable it after enabling it.

  • by sburech,

    sburech sburech Jul 13, 2016 10:13 PM in response to Barney-15E
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 13, 2016 10:13 PM in response to Barney-15E

    The only thing I did with the two step verification was to click on "get started" after signing into my Apple ID Account Page and answering the security questions. I then received a message that I would have to wait three days to proceed.  I noticed in one of the articles suggested above by Thereafter, "Frequently Asked Question About Two Step Verification," it says "...you have 30 days to complete setup of two-step verification..."  I am assuming if I do not complete the setup of the two-step verification in thirty days, it is dead in the water, and I can still keep my existing Apple ID account which I really do not want to change.  Is that correct?

     

    As to two-factor, is it automatic or must I take steps to activate it?  I see all my devices listed in my account in iTunes and was wondering if I actually am using two-factor, since I only enter my Apple ID Account information from one of my devices.  Is there some way to test to see if two factor is active?

     

    I guess I better take Thereafter's advice and contact Apple support, since, even though I now understand the distinctions between Two-Step and Two Factor thanks to your excellent explanation, I still have no idea on how to proceed with two factor and what advantages it really has to offer me, since I do very little purchasing with my Apple Account.

  • by Barney-15E,

    Barney-15E Barney-15E Jul 14, 2016 4:18 AM in response to sburech
    Level 9 (50,082 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 14, 2016 4:18 AM in response to sburech

    I am assuming if I do not complete the setup of the two-step verification in thirty days, it is dead in the water, and I can still keep my existing Apple ID account which I really do not want to change.  Is that correct?

    Neither will change your AppleID account. I'm not sure why you think it will.

     

    As to two-factor, is it automatic or must I take steps to activate it?  I see all my devices listed in my account in iTunes and was wondering if I actually am using two-factor, since I only enter my Apple ID Account information from one of my devices.  Is there some way to test to see if two factor is active?

    You must enable Two Factor Authentication. If you have two-step verification turned on, you must disable it to allow you to enable Two Factor.

    If Two Factor was enabled, you would get messages that state your Apple ID is being used to sign into "something" using a device located in "someplace," displayed on a Map, and ask you to approve that sign-in from another device. That other device would give you a six-digit code to enter on the one you are trying to sign in with.

  • by sburech,

    sburech sburech Jul 15, 2016 9:45 AM in response to Barney-15E
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 15, 2016 9:45 AM in response to Barney-15E

    The only thing I did with the two step verification was to click on "get started" after signing into my Apple ID Account Page and answering the security questions. I then received a message that I would have to wait three days to proceed.  I noticed in one of the articles suggested above by Thereafter, "Frequently Asked Question About Two Step Verification," it says "...you have 30 days to complete setup of two-step verification..."  I am assuming if I do not complete the setup of the two-step verification in thirty days, it is dead in the water, and I can still keep my existing Apple ID account which I really do not want to change.  Is that correct?

     

    As to two-factor, is it automatic or must I take steps to activate it?  I see all my devices listed in my account in iTunes and was wondering if I actually am using two-factor, since I only enter my Apple ID Account information from one of my devices.  Is there some way to test to see if two factor is active?

     

    I guess I better take Thereafter's advice and contact Apple support, since, even though I now understand the distinctions between Two-Step and Two Factor thanks to your excellent explanation, I still have no idea on how to proceed with two factor and what advantages it really has to offer me, since I do very little purchasing with my Apple Account.

  • by sburech,

    sburech sburech Jul 15, 2016 9:55 AM in response to Barney-15E
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 15, 2016 9:55 AM in response to Barney-15E

    I received the following email from Apple:


    " This email is to notify you that your waiting period has ended and you can now set up two-step verification for your Apple ID.

    Please sign in to your Apple ID account page at https://appleid.apple.com, go to Security section to complete setup. For more information, read the FAQ.

    If you did not attempt to set up two-step verification or you believe an unauthorized person has accessed your account, you should change your password as soon as possible from your Apple ID account page at https://appleid.apple.com.

    For your security, this automated message has been sent to all of the email addresses on file in your account.

    If you need additional help, visit Apple Support

     

    I am assuming if I do nothing, two-step verification is not "turned on" and,further, that two-step verification set-up will die on the vine after 30 days elapse after I do nothing.  Is this correct or do I have to do something more to disable two-step verification?

     

    I understand that Two-Factor Authentication is superior to two-step verification.  If correct, is two-step authentication something, you would recommend? (I am using the latest OS and iOS on my 2 Macs and 2 iPhones 5s plus I have two Apple TV's). If so, you state that Two-Factor Authentication must be "enabled."  I have no idea how to do this? Please advise. And remember, I am a total newbee, and totally confused at that, so please proceed in detail.  Finally, thanks loads for your patience.  I am finding this most difficult.

  • by Glenn Leblanc,

    Glenn Leblanc Glenn Leblanc Jul 15, 2016 10:22 AM in response to sburech
    Level 6 (11,016 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 15, 2016 10:22 AM in response to sburech

    If you haven't enabled it yet, then don't do so and you won't need to do anything else. If you have turned it on and want to turn it off, just log into the Apple ID site and turn it off.

     

    Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    I don't use either one, but I would assume the 2 factor authentication is better. I didn't think you can use the 2 step verification anymore unless you were already enrolled. I thought apple is replacing it with the 2 factor authentication. Guess I'm not really sure about that.

  • by Barney-15E,

    Barney-15E Barney-15E Jul 15, 2016 3:23 PM in response to sburech
    Level 9 (50,082 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 15, 2016 3:23 PM in response to sburech

    and I can still keep my existing Apple ID account which I really do not want to change.

    Again, neither of them will "change" your AppleID account. I really don't understand this concern of yours.

    I understand that Two-Factor Authentication is superior to two-step verification.  If correct, is two-step authentication something, you would recommend? (I am using the latest OS and iOS on my 2 Macs and 2 iPhones 5s plus I have two Apple TV's). If so, you state that Two-Factor Authentication must be "enabled."  I have no idea how to do this? Please advise.

    Two Factor Authentication is more secure because someone has to do more than guess your password to hack into your account. They would need to have access to both of the "factors." Since one of the factors is one of your devices, they would need to guess your password and steal your device.

     

    You enable it from either your iPhone or iPad or from the iCloud system preferences. It doesn't enable itself automatically.

    The steps to enable it are here: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support