HT204974: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication

Learn about Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication
bakercoalition

Q: two factor authentication keeps asking for passcode on trusted devices

Hi there, I recently enabled two factor authentication, which works well with all of my devices (iPhone & iPad) except my MacBook Air. Every time I log into iCloud.com via Safari I'm prompted to enter the six digit passphrase. The error is that my MacBook Air is in fact a trusted device! So after I sign into iCloud on Safari, i get a popup overlaid on top of safari with asking me if i want to allow access and after clicking yes, I'm given the passphrase. I don't understand. If i'm using my MacBook Air - I'm signed into iCloud (via system preferences) AND the device is marked as trusted, then why is iCloud blocking my signing and sending me an approval message overlaid on top of my Safari window? All this does is frustrate me and waste my time requiring me to click several more times, enter yet another passphrase and delay my signing in. How can I fix this such that I keep the double authentication AND let my MacBook Air sign in to iCloud without all that extra nonsense?? If i am at the library signing in, then i would expect the browser to send my other devices an approval code - but not when i'm already on my personal, trusted device. Does that make sense...?

MacBook Air, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jun 15, 2016 4:26 PM

Close

Q: two factor authentication keeps asking for passcode on trusted devices

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by sberman,

    sberman sberman Jun 15, 2016 5:45 PM in response to bakercoalition
    Level 8 (39,033 points)
    Jun 15, 2016 5:45 PM in response to bakercoalition

    Personally, I use two-step verification instead of two-factor authentication.  But when I sign out of http://www.icloud.com in Safari, I am presented with this screen:

     

    Screen Shot 2016-06-15 at 5.43.35 PM.png

     

    Checking the box means I am not asked to verify my identity using two-step verification next time.  Are you presented with the same option?

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 15, 2016 7:00 PM in response to bakercoalition
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Jun 15, 2016 7:00 PM in response to bakercoalition

    The problem is caused by a bug in Apple's authentication system. Please try to sign in to appleid.apple.com with the same credentials. Check the box marked "Remember me" on the sign-in page. You must accept cookies from apple.com.

    If that sign-in succeeds, try the other one again.

    The effect may only be temporary. If it becomes too annoying, disable two-factor authentication.

  • by bakercoalition,

    bakercoalition bakercoalition Jun 18, 2016 5:09 PM in response to sberman
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Jun 18, 2016 5:09 PM in response to sberman

    Thanks for the reply sberman. Yes, I'm presented with the screen but still the problem persists :-( I tried to locate the two step verification on the apple account management page; however, i'm only seeing two factor auth. settings in the security tab. From what i was reading on the apple FAQ, two factor is the more secured form native to iOS9 & OS X El Capitan.

  • by bakercoalition,

    bakercoalition bakercoalition Jun 18, 2016 5:13 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Jun 18, 2016 5:13 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Thanks for the reply Linc. I've signed in to the site you mentioned several times over, each time selecting remember me on this browser, but unfortunately, the problem persists. I think you may be right that this is a bug. It's annoying and wasteful, but certainly not worth the risk of disabling it altogether. Thank you for your feedback.