Linda Custer
Level 2 (351 points)
Apple Music

Q: Switching from two-factor verification (2FV) to two-factor authentication (2FA)

Has anyone who has two-factor verification (2FV) enabled been able to switch from that to two-factor authentication (2FA)? What does it look like?

 

When I check my Apple ID (in macOS in the iCloud control panel, or in iOS in the iCloud settings section), it says 2FV is enabled, but there is no option to do anything like remove it or modify it. When I go to appleid.apple.com, I can only remove 2FV. When I've done that, I can enable 2FV again, but no option is present to pick 2FA. No matter what I do, I'm stuck with 4-digit old style codes and none of the enhancements of 2FA.

 

I've asked AppleCare on the phone, and they just refer me to the existing public support web pages that say 2FA is being rolled out "beginning this fall" (which just ended). These web pages say nothing at all about users who already had 2FV.

 

Thanks.

Posted on Dec 23, 2015 10:39 AM

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Linda Custer

Q: Switching from two-factor verification (2FV) to two-factor authentication (2FA)

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  • Helpful answers

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 23, 2015 11:27 AM in response to Linda Custer
    Level 5 (5,938 points)
    Applications
    Dec 23, 2015 11:27 AM in response to Linda Custer

    First of, it's not two-factor verification as you put it.  It's actually called two-step verification and you can read more about it here -- Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support.

     

    Secondly, they are separate products offered by Apple.  One cannot switch interchangeably between the two.  You can have one or the other, or both.  Here's some info on two-factor authentication -- Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

  • by Linda Custer,

    Linda Custer Linda Custer Dec 23, 2015 12:26 PM in response to zinacef
    Level 2 (351 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 23, 2015 12:26 PM in response to zinacef

    Hi,

     

    Thanks.

     

    I apologize profusely for my incorrect terminology. I'm glad there are people like you here to set me straight and educate me.

     

    I read all the materials you quoted, some time ago, and spoke with Apple on the phone. I understand you cannot use both at the same time. (I never wanted to do that.) I want to be using 2FA. I haven't figured out how. It may be that my account is not yet enabled, but how will I know when it is enabled? Will the button show up UNDERNEATH where my current iCloud settings (iOS) or control panel (macOS) say that 2SV is now available? Will I get an email?

     

    I have 2SV now. I'm looking to move to 2FA. I understand all about each (except, as you so kindly pointed out, the terminology). The things I don't understand are, (1) has anyone successfully switched, and if so, what does the switch look like, and (2) is there any way to speed up the switch, like disabling 2SV (which doesn't enable 2FA for me).

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 23, 2015 12:31 PM in response to Linda Custer
    Level 5 (5,938 points)
    Applications
    Dec 23, 2015 12:31 PM in response to Linda Custer

    Hi Linda,

     

    If it wasn't for your post, I never would have realized I didn't have two-factor authentication on.  I thought I did because when I signed into my account, I'd get a code sent to me on my iPhone however after reading a little more about it, and actually going into the menus to check, I realize I don't have it yet on my iPhone or my MacBook Pro.

     

    To be honest, I'm not sure how I will get an invitation when the roll out finally hits me. 

     

    Thanks for your post!

  • by Linda Custer,

    Linda Custer Linda Custer Dec 23, 2015 12:37 PM in response to zinacef
    Level 2 (351 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 23, 2015 12:37 PM in response to zinacef

    OK. Got it. So you and I are in the same boat. Perhaps Apple isn't rushing 2FA for those of us who already have 2SV, since we are somewhat protected. Even so, though, I would expect that if I remove 2SV, I'd be able to enable 2FA. Doesn't seem to work that way.

     

    I'm glad Apple is doing this, and realize it will take a while. I just wish they'd explain a bit more clearly about what us 2SV users should expect when it rolls out to us.

     

    Thanks.

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 23, 2015 12:39 PM in response to Linda Custer
    Level 5 (5,938 points)
    Applications
    Dec 23, 2015 12:39 PM in response to Linda Custer

    So when it does finally get pushed to us, couldn't we have both in place so as to have two extra layers of security?  Or isn't it designed to work like that?

  • by Linda Custer,

    Linda Custer Linda Custer Dec 23, 2015 12:59 PM in response to zinacef
    Level 2 (351 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 23, 2015 12:59 PM in response to zinacef

    Interesting idea.

     

    I have no idea, but I'm guessing Apple wouldn't want users to need both. I suppose it would add extra security, but the added benefit probably wouldn't be worth the requirement for still getting the 4-digit 2SV code. I don't think I'd want to use both. 2FA is supposed to be simpler.

     

    Technically, I think it would be do-able, but I don't think new users who have never had 2SV, and who sign up now for 2FA, are offered 2SV. Am I correct on that -- folks out there who have gone this route?