Just how bad is the location service? Can't tell where I am? And why am I always getting this 2 step identification when I try to log in? Can't even get to searching to see what my other problem is without a new one showing up
MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.5)
It doesn't use Location Services to determine the location. It use the registered location associated with the IP address the device is assigned. If you are connected via VPN or are using a service provider that is registered in Dallas, then that is what it will show.
See here: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
Specifically:
What if I don’t recognize the location shown in my sign in notification?
When you sign in on a new device, you’ll get a notification on your other trusted devices that includes a map showing the approximate location of the new device. This is an approximate location based on the IP address the device is currently using, rather than the exact location of the device. The location shown might reflect the network you're connected to, and not your physical location.
If you know you’re the person trying to sign in but you don’t recognize the location shown, you can still tap Allow and continue signing in.
However, if you ever see a notification that your Apple ID is being used to sign in on a new device and you're not the one signing in, tap Don’t Allow to ensure the sign in attempt is blocked.
It has to do with the way your ISP is set up. For instance in the Apple Store in upstate NY it shows as being in NC somewhere. Unless it's not you that is trying to sign in I wouldn't worry about it, it's just the way the inter webs works.
Once you have entered the code from a trusted device and marked the Trust option for the browser, then it should stop asking until something changes about the browser, like the IP address (hence location).
Except the number to enter wasn't on my phone, but on the laptop that I was using. Really good thing it was me using the laptop! But the phone let me know someone in Dallas was trying to use my account! Sheesh.
Is your laptop not one of your trusted devices and in your possession?
If it is not in your possession, you need to log into iCloud.com and remove it from the list.
If it didn't go to your iPhone, is it not one of your trusted devices?
So it doesn't think I'm me, so it sends the secondary info to the computer that someone else could be using? That just doesn't make sense. Going to the iPhone I can understand, but coming to the computer that it thinks someone else has doesn't make any sense.
It doesn't think someone else has your computer unless you inform them that you don't have it.
It doesn't matter whether you sign in with a Library computer, a friend's computer, or your own computer. It is not protecting the computer. It is protecting your AppleID.
This might offer some insight about two step verification.
Why was I notified I was signing in from Dallas when I'm outside of Seattle?
