Treelah2016

Q: How does the two step authentication process work if you are not in a cell service zone

IS anyone familiar with how the two step aunthicatuon process works in an iPhone 6, utilizing iOS 9.3.4 operating system, when out of cell service areas?  Would one be completely locked out of thier iphone and apple services until they were able to be in a cell service area? Or could it be accessed through a public wifi? Which begs to differ on whether or not it's advantageous to use it when in travel?

iPhone 6, iOS 9.3.4, 2-Step Authentication

Posted on Aug 23, 2016 10:51 AM

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Q: How does the two step authentication process work if you are not in a cell service zone

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  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Aug 23, 2016 11:21 AM in response to Treelah2016
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    Aug 23, 2016 11:21 AM in response to Treelah2016

    I did a little research to see if any Apple articles shed any light...

    See "How it works" in Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support - once a device is trusted, it never asks again unless you do one or more of several things to "break the connection"

    If I were you, I would switch it OFF if you are worried that one of those things might happen while you might not be able to get the code via SMS

    Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    I am confused as to why Apple would use two different terms for what appears to be the same thing:

    • "Two-factor authentication" - and
    • "Two-step verification"

     

    Both articles above begin with a similar statement: [ underline is unique, bold is synonym]

    "Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple ID designed to ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password."

    "Two-step verification is an additional security feature for your Apple ID that's designed to prevent anyone from accessing or using your account, even if they know your password."

     

    Maybe someone with more experience can shed light on your issue and MY confusion???

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Aug 24, 2016 5:11 AM in response to ChitlinsCC
    Level 10 (85,368 points)
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    Aug 24, 2016 5:11 AM in response to ChitlinsCC

    From the FAQ section of Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    Is this different than Apple’s current two-step verification feature?

    Yes. Two-factor authentication is a new service built directly into iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan. It uses different methods to trust devices and deliver verification codes, and offers a more streamlined user experience. The current two-step verification feature will continue to work separately for users who are already enrolled.

     

    So under the hood two different things, but with similar behaviour. If I recall the major difference is that two-step verification is the one that involves a recovery key.

     

     

    As to the original question I suspect the point is moot. If you don't have either a cell or wi-fi service then I don't think you'll be able to do anything that would trigger either authentication method. E.g. from Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    It requires you to verify your identity using one of your devices or another approved method before you can:

    • Sign in to your Apple ID account page
    • Sign in to iCloud on a new device or at iCloud.com
    • Sign in to iMessage, Game Center, or FaceTime
    • Make an iTunes, iBooks, or App Store purchase from a new device
    • Get Apple ID related support from Apple

     

    All of which imply that you are online.

     

    tt2

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Aug 24, 2016 8:39 AM in response to turingtest2
    Level 5 (7,580 points)
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    Aug 24, 2016 8:39 AM in response to turingtest2

    Thanks, amigo

    I am still a tad confused - maybe something like TWO deadbolts on your outer door, one requiring a key from the INSIDE?

    [blither, blither]

     

    OP did mention wifi, but in the context of HAVING it and NOT cellular service (travel to a country where fone cannot connect to the cellular system, but can use public or private wifi) -- it may be that a primer on that situation would help ME understand better and answer the OP's question?

  • by Michael Black,Solvedanswer

    Michael Black Michael Black Aug 24, 2016 10:47 AM in response to ChitlinsCC
    Level 7 (24,146 points)
    Aug 24, 2016 10:47 AM in response to ChitlinsCC

    2-step verification replaces the security question aspect of your AppleID security. Instead you have a recovery code but your security questions are deleted when you activate the service.  With 2-step verification, you will require a verification code to a trusted device anytime you login to your AppleID account, regardless of which device you login from. No one can alter your AppleID without both your login password and either the recovery code, or the temporarily viable (10-15 minutes I think) verification code sent to a trusted device.

     

    WIth 2-factor authentication, you use a code to accept a trusted device once, but once trusted, you can do whatever you wish from that device with nothing more than your AppleID password.

     

    So really, 2-factor authentication is more about restricting use of your devices to only those you trust, while 2-step verification is akin to a dual factor login requirement for your AppleID.

     

    If you setup 2-step verification on your AppleID and use compatible OS X and iOS devices, 2-factor authentication is also in effect with your devices. The two are not mutually exclusive.

     

    Both systems can send the codes over cellular or wifi data connections (they use the notification system build into find my iphone/iPad/Mac through your iCloud account).

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Aug 24, 2016 9:32 AM in response to Michael Black
    Level 5 (7,580 points)
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    Aug 24, 2016 9:32 AM in response to Michael Black

    Well put! I gettit!

    Now, as for a travel (international?) strategy for the OP... (far be it from me to offer one from my only nascent understanding)

     

    What would one do to be most secure AND NOT be stuck without a way to authenticate/verify?

  • by Michael Black,Helpful

    Michael Black Michael Black Aug 24, 2016 10:50 AM in response to ChitlinsCC
    Level 7 (24,146 points)
    Aug 24, 2016 10:50 AM in response to ChitlinsCC

    As far as I know, they both use the same find my device notification system to send their codes, so any limitation of one also applies to the other. The only way to get codes is to have your device findable by the iCloud account associated location feature.  So as long as the device has an internet connection, be it wifi or cellular, either system should be able to send codes.

     

    I use both systems with 2 MacBook Pros, 2 iphones and 2 IPads (one wifi only). I've never had a problem getting codes on any device as long as they have an Internet connection and can be located by the find my device system that is part of iCloud services.

     

    i like 2-step verification for my AppleID as I always try to use some form of 2 factor login authentication with any online account service (google, banks and financial accounts, anything that offers 2 factor logins). So of the two systems, I consider it the more valuable as it is a more strict login requirement to my AppleID, independent of any device I use or have used.

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Aug 24, 2016 10:20 AM in response to Michael Black
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    Aug 24, 2016 10:20 AM in response to Michael Black

    Thanx again

    I'll wager the OP can make an intelligent decision on whether to "turn it off" while traveling from all your valuable experience

    Let's hope he or she returns to let us know what was decided

  • by Treelah2016,

    Treelah2016 Treelah2016 Aug 24, 2016 10:58 AM in response to Treelah2016
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Aug 24, 2016 10:58 AM in response to Treelah2016

    Yes, to the OP-one is intelligent enough to turn the 2-step authentication process off, thus not requiring a code. However I would like to thank each of you for your input and thoughtful comments. I believe i have enough information to move forward. Thank you all again!

     

    Cheers and and good day to earch

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Aug 24, 2016 11:27 AM in response to Treelah2016
    Level 5 (7,580 points)
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    Aug 24, 2016 11:27 AM in response to Treelah2016

    Great news!

    Thanks for providing an opportunity for me to learn some things

    Bon voyage!