Need urgent help in turning off 2FA

This isn't "my" system. The people on this forum are users exactly like yourself. We have no affiliation with Apple. Also note that age is immaterial. Many of the people contributing here are seniors.

I don't think you are "forced" to upgrade when signing into a new phone. I wasn't forced, but I did have to be very careful and read carefully what to do because Apple is pretty persistent about getting one to sign up. They default you to turning it on so you have to carefully read what each setup page says and sometimes choose "other" in options. They don't have a clear "no" button to press. The old security questions system was presumably problematic and they really, really want people to not use it anymore. Apple is not alone in this.

The only thing I know about turning off 2FA is what is in Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support I have not had to turn it off on my account (because it was never on) so if Apple's emailed instructions do not work then you need to speak with Apple. This support article has various country telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➔ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

It can be a minor inconvenience while traveling but there are ways to minimize that. Also remember that you do not need to get a code frequently. For general travel you might not need to get one even once. Is all you are taking is an iPhone? If you have other Apple equipment, it too is trusted if you have signed into it.

The below is based on the section "About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices" in the article Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support

You should consider making sure you have multiple trusted devices and telephone numbers (ask a friend or a relative). To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers use one of these methods:

● On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security. Tap Two-Factor Authentication, tap Edit (above the list of trusted phone numbers), then enter your device passcode when prompted. Add or remove the number, then tap Done.

● On a Mac computer choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Sign-In & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.

● Using a web browser:

1) Go to https://appleid.apple.com and sign in.

2) Follow Account Security options until you find one letting you change trusted numbers,

3) Click "+" to add a new number (you may be required to verify this number).

4) If you wish to remove an old number, click "-" next to the number.

Similar information for the iPhone can be found here --> Use two-factor authentication for your Apple Account on iPhone - Apple Support

If you had set up an Account Recovery Contact ( Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support ) you can also get a code that way.

In a situation where a non-functioning device with cellular service was the only trusted number, transfer the cellular service to another device so you can receive a verification code on the other device instead.

If you can’t sign in, get access a trusted device, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. This article explains how to recover your Apple ID after a waiting period - How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support One tip to using account recovery it to look for options in small blue letters beneath the normal log-in items if you cannot complete the requested information. The post by shoeluvr13 at this link provides additional detail about the account recovery process: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community

You may also wish to read the articles 'Two-factor authentication for Apple ID' (

Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support

) and 'Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication' (

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

). Various sections contain information that is useful in understanding about the trusted devices (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that Apple knows is yours) system, and how to get a verification code on a trusted device or at a telephone number.

Mandating it is always a possibility but we can't really say what Apple plans on doing. It's been around for several years now and they haven't forced die hard holdouts to change.

Currently, though, if you do not use it then certain features are not available to you. Any new accounts have it set automatically and cannot be changed. If you do not use it and have problems with getting into your account you seriously face losing access to the account completely (and everything you ever bought with it) without using 2FA.