iPhone constantly wants me to login

We have already advised what you should do and that is to turn on Two Factor Authentication. Some services will require 2FA and some data synced to iCloud also require 2FA. When you plug the phone into the charger and leave it on the Lock Screen, that is when iCloud backups and Syncing Data is performed, so any that require 2FA will again bring up the same prompt you are seeing over and over again.

To give you an idea of the direct link between iCloud and 2FA, review the information provided here:

iCloud data security overview - Apple Support

Two Factor Authentication is so ingrained in the OS of your device, it is not even possible to create a new Apple Account without using 2FA. Hanging onto a legacy account without turning on 2FA will be problematic for you if you use any Apple Services. You would be better off signing out of your Apple account and just use your phone for calls and SMS messages and for that purpose you would not even need an iPhone.

With 2FA, it does not mean you have to enter a code every time you log into your account, such as this website. You only enter it the first time you log in from a unique device.

This works differently than what you may have experienced with other services, such as a banking site, which may require you to enter an Authorization code every time you sign in. That is not how Apple implements 2FA on your Apple Account. The only time you are required to enter the code is when attempting to access your Apple Account on a device you have not used before.

When signing into this site, you will be required to enter your password as you are only left signed in for a short period of time. The Password will autofill by itself when saved and can be entered with Face ID authentication, although you will be required to have 2FA turned on to use those saved passwords. That way you don't even have to enter your password at all.

QuiGonJohn wrote:

Just one thing. Regarding how it is asking me to login, it does not affect "opening the phone" so doing anything about Auto-Lock would have no effect. I can get to my main screen and I can almost always use any App. Once in a while, if the message is on my phone and I am ignoring it, it won't let me update and App unless I login. The message, besides a banner once in a while, shows up in settings as something like "some Apps require you to update your account settings". If I tap on that and follow thru, I have to login and often also "unlock" my account. Or, like for me to login here and reply, I had to go thru that and unlock it too. But most of the time, I can just ignore it and keep using the phone for the things I need.

At some point, I'm going to guess you changed your Apple Account (formerly called Apple ID)? If yes, all apps downloaded under the previous ID are forever tied to that ID and if you want them to be updated, you have to sign out of the Apple Account you have, sign into the Apple Account you once had, then update the apps. This would be annoying, so any of the apps which were downloaded under a previous account should be deleted and then rebought/downloaded under the current account.

QuiGonJohn wrote:

I do not have 2 Factor turned on. I do not want to have to get a code at all kinds of times while using my phone or accessing things.

That's not how 2 factor authentication works.

Once you're signed in, you should not be prompted for 2nd factor again unless you're trying to log into your account on another (untrusted) device.

2FA is required for many features. There is no good reason not to use 2FA. By not using it, you're exposing your account to a potential compromise and risk losing access to your devices.

Re: "On the Lock Screen it says "Update Apple Account Settings". If I go into the SETTINGS, there is a red circle with a "1", says the same thing. If I tap that, the next screen says "Some account services require you to sign in again".

You may want to check which settings you have in place for using the App Store ... eg: You can review how your iPhone is set-up currently ... and if ScreenTime restrictions for apps are set, you can change them:

For iOS 18: Manage App Store purchases, settings, and restrictions on iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says

Go to Settings  > Apps > App Store, then do any of the following:

• Automatically download apps purchased on your other Apple devices: Below Automatic Downloads, turn on App Downloads.
• Automatically update apps: Turn on App Updates.
• Download in-app content in the background: Turn on In-App Content to download content before you first open an app.
• Allow app downloads to use cellular data: Below Cellular Data, turn on Automatic Downloads. To choose whether you want to be asked for permission for downloads over 200 MB or all apps, tap App Downloads.
• Automatically play app preview videos: Turn on Video Autoplay.
• Automatically remove unused apps: Turn on Offload Unused Apps. You can reinstall an app at any time if it’s still available in the App Store.
• To prevent app offloading, turn off Offload Unused Apps.

Set content restrictions and prevent in-app purchases

After you turn on content and privacy restrictions, do the following:

1. Go to Settings  > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, then turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases, then choose restrictions for installing or deleting apps and in-app purchases.
3. Tap App Store, Media, Web & Games, then choose age-appropriate restrictions such as the following:

• • Apps: Restrict apps by age ratings.
  • App Clips: Prevent App Clips from opening.

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Re: " I do not have 2 Factor turned on. I do not want to have to get a code at all kinds of times while using my phone or accessing things. That is why I always choose Do not 'upgrade' even though I do not consider that an upgrade. Anyway, I am sure that somehow Apple keeps doing this in an attempt to coerce me into accepting 2FA. How can I get it to leave me alone. "

"I know from a past experience many years ago, when my wife could not remember her password, repeated attempts keep extending the time between when you can make attempts."

It is your choice entirely:

(1) whether or not you turn on 2 Factor Authentication ...

( I understand that once 2FA is turned on it can no longer be turned off ... am happy with using it's protection, myself). When needed,

2FA verification codes can often be found in device settings now.

(2) whether or not you make use of Face ID to save entering passwords as often. (Am grateful my Mac uses fingerprint, and iPhone uses Face ID to save entering a password)

Re: "iPhone constantly wants me to login

iPhone keeps making me login."

"I do not have 2 Factor turned on"

iPhone tries to keep your data secure from prying eyes.

Protection is especially necessary if you do not use 2 factor authentication to protect your data and your privacy.

.

iPhone only works as it is set up to work.

You have control over many settings and can make changes if you wish.

See Settings > FaceID and Passcode > Require Passcode

With FaceID set up, iPhone unlocks immediately.

If Face ID is not set up : you can change the timing

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Then check: Settings > Display and Brightness > Auto-Lock

Allows a choice of 30 sec, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes, or Never

QuiGonJohn wrote:

The thing is, techs at Apple Support tell me this is not happening because I do not have 2FA. But all the evidence seems to indicate otherwise.

Again, we are ALL users here on this user to user only forum. We can't see your phone so we can't fix whatever the issue is. But I'd be setting up 2FA if it was my iPhone. If you want direct help from Apple, schedule an appointment at your closest Apple Store Genius Bar for in-person help --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

QuiGonJohn wrote:

I don't think that is applicable in my case. I only got my first iPhone in Jan 2019. I created an Apple Account at that time, and other than a password change, nothing has ever changed regarding that. Furthermore, whenever I have to enter my Apple Account Info, it is the same (only one ever used) email address and then the current password, which I only changed one time. That was after dealing with this issue for a while and a support person at Apple suggested to try changing it and making it much more difficult than my old password.

OK. Then I suspect you just don't understand what 2FA can do for you. It does NOT mean you'll have to enter your password for every app or website, other than the first time where you'll have to enter some code or password. And apps which also use Biometrics, such as Face ID, once set up, make life simpler, not more difficult. And your digital life will be more secure.

Personally, I wouldn't be without 2FA and every app which lets me use it, I use it. I rarely ever have to enter my account password for anything.

QuiGonJohn wrote:

Just an update. I cleared the logging in this morning when I first posted this. Now I went to my phone, which is on the charger and it wants me to login to the phone again. On the Lock Screen it says "Update Apple Account Settings". If I go into the SETTINGS, there is a red circle with a "1", says the same thing. If I tap that, the next screen says "Some account services require you to sign in again". So only like 8 hours later. Also, I notice often that if I've cleared the condition (logged in, unlock acct if prompted to), I get the same problem a lot of times when I plug the phone in to charge it. Regular charger, not into a vehicle with Apple Car Play or anything like that.

I'm not sure what you're expecting from us? We've all advised you to turn on 2FA. We can't fix this for you. Either live with the inconvenience or do as recommended.