Once a week, I log onto https://www.icloud.com/ with Chrome on my Mac. Every week, that page asks me for my two-factor Authentication. Every week, I tell it that I didn’t get a verification code. Every week, I tell it to text me (which text goes to my iPhone, my iPad, and to the computer I am using). Every week, I tell it to trust this computer.
Why does it ask me every week? Where does it send the first verification code?
Two different uses of the phrase "trusted"
Your computer is not obviously a trusted device, as it never gets the first code sent.
Below is how you make your Mac in to a trusted device.
Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
On exiting your browser, you are getting a request to trust the browser, so you don't need a code next time you sign in. I don't believe Chrome honours the cookie for next time.
Have you tried Safari?
Is the Mac a trusted device? Just because it can receive text messages sent to a trusted number, doesn't mean it is.
If you aren't receiving verification codes there is something wrong with your set up. Quite possibly, once you sort it out you won't keep being prompted to verify.
Is the computer you are using a trusted device?
Yes we know what happens, you've told us twice now. What we are saying is something is not right with the set up if your devices don't get the original message.
Once I log in to iCloud with a browser, I can log in again this same day - but if I wait a week, I have to start again
Yes, I'm not sure about what period is involved but the trust for web browsers has a limited time.
I read all of those links but didn't see anything I haven't tried. It *may* be that it just doesn't work for Chrome or Firefox - I'll find out in a week when I try logging on using Safari. If that is the case, it is *not* an excuse for Apple, but a condemnation. I'll see.
You said earlier your Mac does not get codes, but your iMac does. Now you're saying your Mac is set up for 2FA. Do you have 2 Macs? If your Mac does not get codes, it does not appear to be set up correctly.
When it sends the two-factor code, the code goes to all three of my devices (my iPhone, my iPad, & my iMac).
My Mac is set up for two-factor authentication
My Safari is synchronized with my wife's, and I only use it when I want her bookmarks and logins.
ok. I'll ask again. Did you try Safari for "trust this browser" to see if it's a Chrome issue?
I really can't help someone who does not went to be helped.
I didn't suspect there would be any confusing by calling my computer an iMac in one post and calling it a Mac in another post. At any rate, it is set with two-factor Authentication on.
I just opened Safari and connected to icloud with my account. It said it sent me a code to my devices, but neither my iMac, my iPad, nor my iPhone received it. I then told it to text me. All three devices got the code and I entered it. As with Chrome, I told it to trust that browser.
Both Safari & Chrome will let me log in now. But that was the case before - this issue happens when I wait a week between logging in, but not when I do it the same day. (And my Mac has been unplugged between when I connected to Chrome this morning and when I tested it this evening).
I do want to be helped, and am sorry if I am not communicating effectively.
I don't know where iCloud.com sent my first verification request with either browser. Once I log in to iCloud with a browser, I can log in again this same day - but if I wait a week, I have to start again (at least with Chrome - I will have to test with Safari in a week). My iCloud settings show Two-factor authentication as on. It has my iPhone's trusted phone number listed as verified.
Yes, it is obvious that something is not set up right. That's why I started this thread. I would like to trace down this problem and fix it, but am stuck.
Others are frustrated that I am not saying something I need to say, so I keep trying to say everything I know. So I repeat myself, trying not to skip anything I know. I'm sorry that that also apparently is frustrating, but my ignorance is such that I don't know what I should be saying.
Here is where you going to find the information you're looking for:
Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
Availability of two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
Switch from two-step verification to two-factor authentication - Apple Support
Go through these links and see if they answer your questions. This will show you step by step what to look for and how to go about getting the information you need. If you don't understand something from these instructions, please let us know and we can help you make sense of this. From here, I think you'll find the answers. If not, we will keep plugging away until you have "peace of mind."
I forgot to add this: It's hard sometimes to articulate what the problem is when it appears topics or points are chain related while adding more complications. I think we all have been there my friend. Take a look at the 3 links I provided by apple support and let me know where you stand. I'm on my computer today so I will see any responses or additional questions you may have.
If you want to learn more about apple and get good at understanding the platforms seeing how you utilize different apple products, I have three suggestions that will help you.
1. You can purchase a book called "MacOS Support Essentials 10.13." This is a training book to become apple certified. You don't have to be certified to buy this book nor do you have to take the test. It's a book with lessons files provided so you'll get the hands on experience. If you want, go ahead to get certified if you want too, but that's up to you. I have learned so much from this book and I spend a couple of hours a week going through this book. I have found so many cool things from this book that I thought never existed.
2. Check out www.macmost.com. This guy provides short and to the point tutorials on everything about apple products. Sign up for his newsletter and you'll get several tips a week where he demonstrates. I have learn so much from this guy over the years. I don't know this person and I'm not endorsing him as I'm just providing information on how to learn so many cool things about apple products and what they offer. Once you understand the capabilities, you'll find Apple to be so powerful!
3. If you really want to learn computing and become very proficient, then I suggest you check out CompTIA. You can buy the books on Amazon and you can get certified if you want. Check out - A+, Network+, Security+ and see what excites you. Also, check out www.professormesser.com as he provides free training videos on each of these courses.
Someone sat me down one day and guided me through these ideas I provided to you and it has helped me tremendously. In fact, I am certified now with various certifications and I even program with Swift and Xcode. I focus on Security, White Ethical Hacking, and Developer. Be patient and soak it all up. It will come in time. I'm excited for you to see the power of Apple and all of it's capabilities.
Let me give you another example while I'm at it. Suppose I get a hold of your email now that I have your name. I could send you a link where you click on the link and I can infect you or lead you to another malicious site where I can capture more information about you. Suppose I trick you (phishing) and get your user name and password. If I were to logon to your account, then the two factor would kick you and you would know someone is trying to get into your account, hence two factor authentication. Do you see my point? Hackers love phishing email. My advice is not to click on any links. My wife and I are White Ethical Hackers by the way. We go after the bad guys and we love it too! You can tell if someone is phishing you by doing this:
In iCloud mail, press "View"
Then press "message headers" or "raw source"
Look up how to read this: Then you'll see if your emails are legitimate.
This is one way we obtain information. Next, click on the person's name who sent the email to you. They will spoof names and ip addresses and it sticks out like a sore thumb. But if you're not watching for it or don't know this, then you will likely fall into their trap. This is phishing.
Apple does one heck of a job protecting the users and two factor authentication should be mandatory for everyone. If I were President of the United States, I would make every American take the Security+ plus exam. You'll find out real quick why security is so important. By the way, hackers don't like Apple since its very hard to hack...possible...but they go after Microsoft where its a lot easier. Another reason why I utilize nothing but Apple. My intention is not to scare you at all, my point is to share with you why two factor authentication is important and why you should take security very seriously. Those days are gone where you could trust people and do business easy. Nowadays, its like pulling teeth because hackers have gotten more educated and crimes in a global economy are happening constantly. Take a look at this site: https://map.lookingglasscyber.com/. Notice how many attacks are taking place as we speak. Crazy! This is the world we live in.
I agree that 2-factor authentication is good, that's why it is set up on my iMac.
Something appears to be screwy with my setup right now, as every week I have been logging onto icloud.com (on my iMac, usually with Chrome), and I get the code telling me to enter my two-factor code. When I get this, I do not get the code, so I tell it to text it to me. Then my iMac, my iPad, & my iPhone get the text with that code. I enter that code in and am asked if I want to trust my computer and I say yes.
Earlier this week, I did this process with Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, and at the end of this week I will try again with each browser and return to this discussion and say what happened.
I don't know what "Or are you logging in by going to the apple sign or picture of an apple in top left hand corner?" is referring to. I've been logging onto www.icloud.com from my browser. Right now, I noticed that in System Preferences/iCloud/Account Details/Security, I can select "Get Verification Code". I have never done that from that spot. So I did it now, then went to Chrome and into www.icloud.com - but I'm still logged in from before. Logging off and on didn't change anything. I may have delayed when I will have the need for the code by doing that. I'll try first with FIrefox this coming Sunday.
I was afraid you were going to tell me that. Guess what? BINGO! You hit the jackpot. You had indicated that you own the following devices: iMac, iPhone, and iPad, is this correct? If yes, then read on and I will assume you are brand new to Apple, which is okay as everyone has to start somewhere. If you're not new to Apple, somewhere you have been mislead.
Where you noticed System Preferences/icloud/account etc.....that is what I was referring to. Once you get into "System Preferences," you might as well press every single icon there is on that screen and get to know those features like the back of your hand. This is basically your "settings" and this is where you will set up everything such as your email, security, firewall, printers, etc....everything!
You use www.icloud.com when you don't have access to any of your devices or you're using a Microsoft/Google computer and you want to check your email for example. Your desktop has all this so there is no need to visit www.icloud.com if you're using your MacBook or iMac or iPad.
Which leads me to my next question: I was wondering why you were using Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. Safari is Apple, Chrome is Google, and FireFox is Linux. I have no idea why you would be using all three? I think many others would say the same thing. If you are using these browsers for example to print something to your printer you have hooked up to your iMac, then we need to get you trained. It took me 2 months to understand Apple and within 6 months I became good at knowing where everything is and how to use. I'm excited for you to learn the power of Apple.
I don't know what iMac you have so I'm providing a link to help you at least explore your computer: Apple - Support - Manuals
Here are some manuals you may want to start exploring. Also, you can go to iBooks which is an app from Apple where you'll find many manuals and it's all free provided by Apple. You could buy a "Romance" novel too, but you'll have to pay for that. If you want learn how to program or become a developer, then you can get all the books from Apple for free. You haven't felt the power of Apple yet......you might as well buckle up and enjoy the ride! Apple will run circles around Microsoft and Google! Don't get me wrong, Microsoft and Google are great companies and have great products, but its like with Apple you're driving a BMW or Mercedes and with Microsoft you're driving a old, beat up car.
First, you need to set up your computer. This is so important and you'll want to protect your computer A.S.A.P. I'm confused though....How did you buy Apple products and not have the people show you or set it up for you? I'm curious because Apple people are awesome and they will take the time to show you various things and set your computer up so when you walk out the door, you're ready to get rolling with the basics.
Print this out: https://training.apple.com/content/dam/appletraining/us/en/2018/documents/macOS_ Support_Essentials_10.13_Exam_Preparatio…
Go to Amazon and purchase this book as I mention in a previous post. This link goes with the book, but it provides questions and answers to get you started. Also, check out www.macmost.com.
Go to www.youtube.com and check out various tutorials for free. Make sure you look up "Apple Operating System High Sierra 10.13." This is where you need to start. You need to get your iMac set up properly and more importantly secure. Your operating system is what runs the computer. Once you feel comfortable with the operating system, then explore the apps and what Apple offers. It's like building a house. You have to start at the foundation and have a strong foundation so your house doesn't collapse, right? If you explore the others areas first other than the operating system, then its like you're starting to build your home by starting with the roof. See my point? Who begins building a house with the roof first? If someone did, they are absolutely on drugs!
I forgot to add. You can always download the chrome browser so you have access to the google platform.
See the app that looks like a stamp at the bottom of your computer where the icons are? You may have them on your desktop or the sides too? You see the picture of the black apple in the top left hand corner? This is where you set up your email in the "systems preferences."
Why does icloud.com keep asking for two-factor authentication?
