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this is insane. The auto update turned it on! Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on? If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off.

The update triggered the 2-factor crap. Now I can't disable it? Let's think, if I can access my other "trusted device" I am screwed?!?

Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on?

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.

iPhone SE, iOS 14

Posted on Nov 7, 2021 1:33 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 7, 2021 1:53 PM

That’s correct. You cannot turn off 2 factor authentication, and I can’t think of any reason to. I go for weeks without having to authenticate anything, and in the rare instance when I do it takes a couple of seconds.


And not just with Apple. More and more services on the Internet now require some form of 2 factor authentication. Essentially your account can be hacked on any site or any service that does not use it. My bank requires it. My brokerage accounts require it. The US IRS requires it. Most other US government services require it. Google enterprise apps require it. Microsoft business services require it. My cellular network provider requires it.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 7, 2021 1:53 PM in response to rockin48

That’s correct. You cannot turn off 2 factor authentication, and I can’t think of any reason to. I go for weeks without having to authenticate anything, and in the rare instance when I do it takes a couple of seconds.


And not just with Apple. More and more services on the Internet now require some form of 2 factor authentication. Essentially your account can be hacked on any site or any service that does not use it. My bank requires it. My brokerage accounts require it. The US IRS requires it. Most other US government services require it. Google enterprise apps require it. Microsoft business services require it. My cellular network provider requires it.

this is insane. The auto update turned it on! Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on? If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off.

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