Has anyone been able to use their Mac when 2.*FA isn't allowed?

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Level 1

9 points

Has anyone been able to use their Mac when 2.*FA isn't allowed?

I work in environments where I can't have 2 devices, so 2.*FA isn't allowed. I get hit for my ap*pple &ID& hundreds of times a year. I'm spelling those weird because - I tried to ask this yesterday, and an apl*pple bot took my post down - I think perhaps a person might be automatically blocked from discussing the idea, hard to tell - there is no moderator to reach out that I know of.

Thanks for anyone who made it work! I'm constantly interrupted for new pw requests, and have been for years now.

MacBook Air, macOS 15.0

Posted on Nov 17, 2024 12:08 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Level 7

26,069 points

Nov 17, 2024 12:34 PM in response to motley1

There are no Apple bots taking down posts, so the spelling makes no difference. There are live moderators that make sure all posts conform to the Terms of Use.

Apple Support Communities Use Agreement - Apple Community

You don't need 2 devices for 2FA. You will need a phone number that can accept a text message, but that device does not need to be connected to your account at all. Many users have 2FA on a single device and it is required for many of the services offered by Apple for security. Your account is simply not very secure when it is not enabled.

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Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 7

26,069 points

Nov 18, 2024 7:38 AM in response to motley1

Sorry that I can't be more helpful and unable to provide a specific solution, but I may be able to offer some additional points:

You can get a verification code on a single Mac when no other device is available, but I believe you still need to enter a Trusted Phone number when it is set up. See the bottom of this page titled Get a verification code on a Mac.

Use two-factor authentication for Apple Account security on your Mac - Apple Support

The Verification code only needs to be entered when signing into your account on a new device (or browser according to the above article). I honestly can't remember the last time I have ever needed to enter my 2FA code for Apple. It may have been 4 years ago when I bought my last Mac, but I don't even remember doing it then as I set up the new Mac from my old one and it might have automatically registered the new device. I just don't remember.
Apple does support Security Keys that will eliminate the need to enter the verification code. This is physical key plugged into your Mac. I don't have any experience using them, but I know users have posted about them here, so hopefully they will be able to provide more insight into this feature and that may be the answer your looking for.

Use security keys for two-factor authentication on Mac - Apple Support

Hopefully you will be able to get some more specific answers from others.

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Answer 3

steve626

Level 6

11,489 points

Nov 17, 2024 9:16 PM in response to motley1

I mostly receive 2FA codes via text to one of multiple iPhones and since the Mac also receives those texts, all I need to have is that Mac with me, just that one device.

Also you can set up your account so the 2FA codes are sent via an automated audio phone call to a phone number you specify. A robotic voice simply reads the code when you answer the call. I believe it can even go to voice mail and you recover the code in a separate step.

Two devices are not needed to be in your possession for this.

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Answer 4

motley1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 17, 2024 9:40 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Hey, thanks for your kind comment. I didn't know whether I was allowed to speak about the topic of not being able 2FA. I had posted essentially the identical message on discussions.apple.com and it was taken down.

Unfortunately the phone number as the 2FA device doesn't work - I'm in remote situations where there is no phone coverage at all, zero, and I'm only allowed 1 devices on the network at all.

I get it that my account isn't as secure without 2FA, but I don't see how I can use it - unless a dongle or some kind maybe?

It would be nice if it could have been my own choice to not use 2FA, rather than Apple constantly deprecating my password.

Any idea welcome! Thanks

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Answer 5

motley1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 17, 2024 9:44 PM in response to steve626

Thanks for you comment :) I seems (?) that your solutions rely entirely on using a phone of some kind - whether for text message, or automated number. But I'm in situations where there is no coverage and yes/no, maybe or maybe not, any functioning landline.

I do wonder too - if a person has 2FA, how often does that have to be renewed - e.g. by your phone method. If 2FA has to be renewed every day or so, then I'd gain nothing - even if the phone idea was an option for me.

I wish Apple would let me just choose what I want/need to do.

I wrote here also - maybe there is an authenticator dongle I could use - something entirely local?

Thanks for any ideas. So far I haven't hit any ideas that is viable.

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Answer 6

motley1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 18, 2024 7:58 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanks for your useful reply again and the links. I'll work on getting a bit further, to see what might work for me. Also the news that you haven't had to enter a 2FA code often is great to read - thank you.

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