Can I turn off two factor verification Sierra 10.12.6?

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Level 1

16 points

Can I turn off two factor verification Sierra 10.12.6?

I bought an AirTag today and only afterwards found I can't set it up without two factor verification, which is highly impractical for me. I note the article about the two factor verification says that I can "no longer turn it off". As I am still using 10.12.6, do I still have the option of returning to the more practical security setup I currently have, once my AirTag is set up? Or does the fact I use iOS14 on my phone override that? I hope I haven't just bought an expensive gimcrack! Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Sep 30, 2021 6:02 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Chattanoogan

Level 7

25,634 points

Sep 30, 2021 7:14 PM in response to dondeep

Re: “… using the two factor process would essentially brick my gadgets … “

You might be worrying about a non-issue.

Explanation:

Apple’s 2FA only protects your AppleID, not your gadgets.

More to the point, your AppleID is the nexus of your identity. If it’s compromised your identity is VERY effectively stolen.

Your own personal Apple devices are cryptologically trusted to see, use, and modify your AppleID.

Any OTHER device attempting to use YOUR AppleID must be authenticated via the 2nd factor.

This 2nd factor is normally delivered securely to ALL of your trusted devices simultaneously, but can optionally be delivered to any text or voice line you pre-designate.

So in summary, the only time you actually “use” the 2FA codes, is when you buy a new Apple Device (to make it “trusted”) or need to access YOUR Apple services from somebody else’s computer or phone.

Most users don’t need their codes but a few times a year, if even that.

Hope that helps.

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

684,531 points

Sep 30, 2021 6:19 PM in response to dondeep

Did you read this section in the Related Article above?

If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off. Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information. If you recently updated your account, you can unenroll within two weeks of enrollment. Just open your enrollment confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings. Keep in mind, this makes your account less secure and means that you can't use features that require higher security.

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Answer 3

dondeep Author

Level 1

16 points

Sep 30, 2021 6:44 PM in response to Eric Root

I did see that but I'm having trouble understanding it. The paragraph clearly says you can no longer turn it off (then explains latest versions of operating systems require it). Then it talks about "enrollment" but doesn't say what "enrollment" means! I would be very grateful if you could explain what they are talking about. For a start, what exactly are you enrolling in?

(For clarification, Apple randomly but frequently send a message that I can't access certain features without going through their security process again. It takes forever but at least I can do it. As I am frequently out of cellphone range and don't have a functioning landline, using the two factor process would essentially brick my gadgets until either the signal came back or I took them into town, an even more time and energy consuming process. Obviously I won't allow that!)

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Answer 4

dondeep Author

Level 1

16 points

Sep 30, 2021 6:55 PM in response to Eric Root

Thanks for the quick reply. So you are saying that I CAN turn it off, as long as I do so within two weeks of turning it on?

Sorry if I sound stupid - I'm just finding the language being used in the article a bit strange.

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Answer 5

Sep 30, 2021 7:30 PM in response to dondeep

It can be downright scary how much is tied to your AppleID, phone, and your e-mail.

It can’t have too much protection.

Another plus is that even IF a criminal somehow obtains your AppleID AND password, they STILL can’t access YOUR account w/o the codes that ONLY go to YOUR trusted devices (or trusted phone numbers)

This way, if you ever get a 2FA “pop-up” on your trusted device NOT initiated by YOU, you IMMEDIATELY know that your AppleID and password ARE compromised … so you can change your password immediately.

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