What if the trusted device I am trying to sign in on using two factor authentication is showing the device in a location that is several hundred miles away from where the device actually is? Should I still sign on?

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What if the trusted device I am trying to sign in on using two factor authentication is showing the device in a location that is several hundred miles away from where the device actually is? Should I still sign on?

I am trying to sign into iCloud on a MacAir I have used constantly for several years. I turned on two factor authentication and my iPhone (where I get my verification code) shows my Mac Air location being several hundred miles away from its actual location. Should I still allow it to sign on or is something else wrong?

Posted on Mar 30, 2016 3:22 AM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

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Mar 30, 2016 5:57 AM in response to garfin2139

Where does your Macbook Air show its location?

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Answer 2

garfin2139 Author

Level 1

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Mar 30, 2016 6:02 AM in response to Barney-15E

It shows right outside of Atlanta Georgia and I am in Orlando Florida.

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Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

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Mar 30, 2016 6:03 AM in response to garfin2139

I mean on the Macbook Air, not on the authentication screen.

If it is showing itself where the authentication screen shows it, then nothing is wrong except its ability to locate itself.

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Answer 4

Mar 30, 2016 6:05 AM in response to garfin2139

As your MBA is getting its location data, at least in part, from whatever WiFi router it's connected to, it could easily be way off. If the WiFI router is registered in Apple's database incorrectly or if it was moved recently and hasn't yet updated it might not show the correct information.

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Answer 5

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Mar 30, 2016 6:06 AM in response to garfin2139

your ISP could be based in GA.

I'm in NC and my ISP shows up based in OR

which is why my T1 gets 14.4

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