Two-factor Authentication Cannot Be Turned Off - Dangerous

I was installing an app and ended up turning on Two-factor authentication by accident. This not only is annoying but is dangerous for me as I travel abroad and do not have an international phone plan to receive the code. Evidently once it is turned on you can’t turn it off. This is so wrong on many levels. Support would do nothing to help me. Seriously considering moving to Google/Android system. It would be a hassle but I wouldn’t have this to deal with. I can report it as fraudulent and put it back but then I’d have to change the login. And that’s not truthful as it’s not fraudulent. I probably can’t get help but just warning folks to avoid this option at all costs.

iPhone 11

Posted on Jan 15, 2020 12:15 PM

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4 replies

Jan 15, 2020 12:34 PM in response to Edward Baumann1

The codes are not sent by text message. By default, they are sent by encrypted iCloud push notification, which can be receive anywhere in the world, on any trusted device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod touch) you have as long as you have internet access. The registered SMS telephone number is for backup use only, in the event you cannot receive an iCloud push notification.


And you cannot avoid Apple 2FA for your AppleID if you choose to use certain Apple services that require it - getting or having an Apple Card requires 2FA be active on your AppleID, as does using messages in iCloud, iCloud Keychain, Apple Pay, etc.

Jan 15, 2020 12:44 PM in response to Edward Baumann1

Do you use private browsing? Do you clear cookies after each browser session? If you do either, your deleting the “trust” cookie each time so yes, you’ll need a new code each time you log back in here.


And the whole “moving to Android” threat falls on deaf ears here. Users in this community have no dog in the race over whatever device or operating system you choose to use - pick whatever device, system, provider etc you wish.

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Two-factor Authentication Cannot Be Turned Off - Dangerous

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