Trust this browser vs. Trusted devices

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Level 1

19 points

Trust this browser vs. Trusted devices

I searched online, in this community and read several apple support documents, but am still unclear so I'm asking what might be obvious to you.

I have 2-Factor Authentication turned on and have used it with my trusted phones to log into my Apple ID. I can see several of my devices (Mac and iPhone) listed as trusted devices for my Apple ID.

When I login to my Apple ID, I receive the option to "Trust this browser". If I select "Trust", is that what adds my current device to the list of "Trusted devices"? In my mind, a Browser is not the same thing as a Device, but it appears to be the same.

Q1: Is browser the same as device in this context???

My second question is

Q2: How can I always require a verification code when signing into my Apple ID? Should I remove the trusted devices from my Apple ID and always click on "Don't trust"?

Posted on Sep 24, 2023 12:31 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

WheelieNick

Level 8

40,401 points

Sep 24, 2023 1:47 PM in response to wip

No, a browser is not the same as a device. Your trusted devices are the physical apple devices you own and that are capable of receiving verification codes.

When you log in in a browser, in this community for example, you have the option to trust this browser. If you select this option, you can login in this browser without having to login in 2 steps. You can then login using only your password or Sign in with Apple. I suggest that you use this feature on your own computers, but never on a public computer as a computer in a library, for example .

For always use a code, simply don't click trust this browser. Your trusted devices are allready logged in, and when you remove all of your trusted devices, you will lock your Apple ID and you will face difficulties signing in again. So don't do that, that is unnessecary. Simply never trust the browser when signing in, and when You sign out and sign back in again, you will need the verification code.

Hope this clears things up a bit for you.

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Answer 2

wip Author

Level 1

19 points

Sep 24, 2023 2:30 PM in response to WheelieNick

Oh wow, thanks for your explanation. I really appreciate the point about not removing trusted devices unnecessarily and painting myself in a corner.

Since I did choose Trust this browser just before writing my original post, I'll see whether closing the browser will require the 2-factor authentication the next time I login via a browser.

Thanks again!

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Trust this browser vs. Trusted devices

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