How to turn off 2-Factor Authentification on iPhone

david2go wrote:

I just created a new AppleID account for an iPhone 6s and Apple created it with 2-Factor authentification turned on which I want to turn it off. (I am quite aware of the value of 2-factor authentification and use it in many other places; I just don't need it here.)

I understand I have 2 weeks to turn off and then it will become permanent. However, I cannot find a way to turn off, either on the phone or logging into the account via a browser on my PC. I have found some articles that tell me I have to contact Apple Support to do this, but that's a fools errand without knowing exactly who/where to contact.

Can someone steer me in the right direction here please. Thanks for your help.

If you just created a brand new Apple ID, you cannot turn off 2FA. As I understand it, the two-week window only applies to older Apple IDs that never had it. But, check the email. If it has a link as WheelieNick suggested, I am wrong.

david2go wrote:

WheelieNick and IdrisSeabright, thanks for the input.

This was an AppleID to replace one that was already on the phone so I guess that qualifies as a brand new ID. I never received an email when I created the new ID. What I really need is a rescue email, for a variety of reasons, which is only possible if 2-factor authentification is turned off. I see where I can create a recovery contact but I don't know how that works.

You can add additional trusted numbers to your account. I usually have my work number as one.

For Recovery Contacts, see here:

Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support

The other problem I'm having is getting the iphone 6s to see my PC as a trusted device. Each time I login to this AppleID account from a PC browser, the 6s has to allow the device with a code. There is no option to Trust the device so it has to be authenticated each time. Interestingly, it sees the PC being in Kentucky and not MS where it is located (and there is no VPN). I wouldn't put it past Apple to authenticate only ios devices.

The location thing is pretty common on computers. The computer itself has no location capabilities and gets its location information from the network it's connected to. Sometimes, that means the headquarters, hub or regional location of the Internet Service Provider.

As to why you can't get the computer to be trusted.... No, it's quite possible to have a PC as a trusted device. My work computers have been PCs for years and I don't generally have a problem. They only time they get "untrusted" is when there's some sort of maintence done by IT that wipes out cookies. It was worse two employers ago but I rarely have a problem now.

Is it a relativel recent computer? What browser are you using? Also, double-check that the time on the computer is correct. Do you have cookies blocked?

Sorry, I've never seen that happen so I don't have any bright ideas. All I can think of is that the age of the computer means it doesn't work properly with the Apple ID security but, really, we've moved beyond my competency.

You should be able to get the 2FA code on the phone. See below:

Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

If you';re still within the 2 weeks of time period you can turn it off via the link in the email you've received when you enrolled in 2 factor authentication