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I WANT TO TURN OFF TWO FACTOR VERIFICATION!!!!! It is a total pain in the butt and I want the option to turn it off. Help!!!!! How can apple not allow us to turn this time-suck feature off? I want to register my frustration.

I WANT TO TURN OFF TWO FACTOR VERIFICATION!!!!! It is a total pain in the butt and I want the option to turn it off. Help!!!!! How can apple not allow us to turn this time-suck feature off? I want to register my frustration. Anyone know how to turn this off???

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), iOS 11.4.1

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 4:31 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 4:45 PM

Once you've had two-factor authentication for more than two weeks, you cannot turn it off.


Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on?

If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off. Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information. If you recently updated your account, however, you can unenroll for a period of two weeks. Just open your enrollment confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings. Keep in mind, this makes your account less secure and means that you can't use features that require a higher level of security.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Perhaps if you explain what problems you're having with it, someone can help you. What are you doing that you're interacting with it more than very rarely?


This is a user-to-user forum. If you want to let Apple know how you feel, use the feedback page:


Product Feedback - Apple

276 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 10, 2018 4:45 PM in response to janeonjane

Once you've had two-factor authentication for more than two weeks, you cannot turn it off.


Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on?

If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off. Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information. If you recently updated your account, however, you can unenroll for a period of two weeks. Just open your enrollment confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings. Keep in mind, this makes your account less secure and means that you can't use features that require a higher level of security.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Perhaps if you explain what problems you're having with it, someone can help you. What are you doing that you're interacting with it more than very rarely?


This is a user-to-user forum. If you want to let Apple know how you feel, use the feedback page:


Product Feedback - Apple

Jan 20, 2019 8:53 PM in response to JG1309

I'm in the same boat as many of you. I can't stand this 2 step authentication thing. So, first issue is that the system asks for a code EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I try to login. Doesn't matter whether its on my old macbook pro or new one i just got. Or on my iphone. Or on any one of our several apple tvs. Or on any of our ipads. Every time we login to just about anything it prompts us to enter the verification code. I've clicked "trust this browser" or whatever it says more times than i can count and it still continues to prompt for a code. I understand it asking ONCE. But every single time?!
2nd issue is that when it says its sending a code it doesnt typically send anything or is sending a code to who knows where. Nothing gets sent to my phone. I double checked my cell from the trusted number and it is. The only way to get a code is to click "i didnt get a code" and then force it to send to my phone.

The main issue is that for some reason the "trusted" part isnt getting saved (sorry don't know the technical wording for it). And we have one older apple tv that wont sign on no matter how many times we put in the code.

Does anyone know if this issue is possibly linked to IP addresses? I wondered if maybe because we use Comcast and i think the IP address changes that was the issue?? I'm grasping at straws here trying to get it to work.


Can you clarify the following:


  1. What are you trying to sign into? When you sign into your Apple Account, you have to provide the code every single time, for example.
  2. If you are trying to sign into iCloud, are you referring to iCloud.com?
  3. When you indicate that you have told it to "Trust this Browser" do you mean you have clicked on "Trust" on this pop-up:


Are you meeting all of the following criteria when you are performing your sign-in:


Once signed in, you won’t be asked for a verification code on that

device again unless you sign out completely, erase the device, or need

to change your password for security reasons. When you sign in on the

web, you can choose to trust your browser, so you won’t be asked for a

verification code the next time you sign in from that computer.


Have you read this support article: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Best,


GB



Jan 29, 2019 6:40 AM in response to Yotsiri

Again, you do not need another piece of equipment. You can get the verification code on the device you have in your hand if it is signed into your iCloud account:


Get a code from Settings on your trusted device

If you can’t receive a verification code on your trusted devices

automatically, you can get one from Settings, even if your device is

offline.


From your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:


In iOS 10.3 or later:


  1. Go to Settings > [your name].
  2. Tap Password & Security > Get Verification Code.


In iOS 10.3 or later, if your device is offline:


  1. Go to Settings > [your name].
  2. Tap Password & Security. 
  3. A message says "Account Details Unavailable." Tap Get Verification Code.


In iOS 10.2 or earlier:


  1. Go to Settings > iCloud.
  2. Tap your Apple ID username.
  3. If your device is offline, tap Get Verification Code. If your device
  4. is online, tap Password & Security > Get Verification Code.


From your Mac:


  1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
  2. Click Account Details.
  3. If your device is offline, click Get Verification Code. If your device is online, click Security > Get Verification Code.



From this support article: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support


Also, Idris' response said including landlines. You can also use an Android phone number. And the only time it asks for a Verification code is when you are signing into your iCloud or Apple ID account, so it's not like you need it everywhere, all the time. Why would you be signing into and out of your iCloud account on your iOS device?


Take some time to familiarize yourself with how 2FA actually works: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

You might find that the issue is a lack of understanding on your part.


GB


Feb 7, 2019 9:19 AM in response to janeonjane

Turn off two-step verification

Before you can turn on two-factor authentication, you need to turn off two-step verification. Use these steps: 

  1. Sign in to your Apple ID account page.
  2. In the Security section, click Edit.
  3. Click Turn Off Two-Step Verification. Click again to confirm.

  4. Create new security questions and verify your date of birth. You'll get an email confirming that two-step verification for your Apple ID is off.
  5. Remember to make sure that you're still signed in to iCloud. You might be asked for your Apple ID password. 

If you log in to your Mac with your Apple ID, you need to change your Mac login password before setting up two-factor authentication. 

Oct 10, 2018 9:13 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

The problem for me that I have four people in my family who all use the same Apple ID. When we need to change something or do anything that requires us to use the two-factor code it's sent to my wife's phone. If she doesn't happen to be in the room, or is at work, etc. then we're basically locked out, which is beyond annoying. Forcing us into using something we don't want it downright Orwellian. We should be able to use what level of security makes sense for us individually. But the real question, why should we have to explain ourselves at all.

Oct 28, 2018 10:44 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Every time I try to give the code to my other device it is interrupted over and over again and personally i'd rather have my account hacked then it be impossible to turn off ; also the Two-factor verification was turned on with out my permission and now because of that i'll Never be able to sign in.

So for the love of God get rid of the Two-factor verification or just ADD AN OFF BUTTON.

Oct 26, 2019 7:40 PM in response to gixymonkey

once you buy an apple product, you have to travel with 2 devices or be at risk of being locked out, which is beyond stupid. If someone wants this security it should be a choice.

Not at all accurate. This twice now you have misstated the truth to make your point.


Add a trusted phone number in addition to a trusted device.


This extra number can be a landline, an Android device. It will allow you to get verification codes in the event you lose your trusted device.


Apple says that once you have verified a device you never have to do it again.
Support has told me repeatedly, phone and chat.

It is highly doubtful to me that Apple support has repeatedly told you the wrong thing.



See >>> https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204915



VPNs can also cause repeated requests for verification codes. If your device's IP address changes, iOS detects this and may ask you for a new verification code to validate your identity.

Feb 2, 2020 1:36 PM in response to imagenation

It is especially disingenuous because there is no CLEAR warning WHEN TURNING 2FA ON, that it can never be reversed!!!! I never saw an email (in fact, I am going to do a deep search for that pink unicorn).

This information should have been baked into the process of turning 2FA on!!!! NOT IN AN EMAIL AFTER THE FACT.
That is what makes it especially maddening. And inconsiderate, to put it nicely.

Like this? This documentation is readily available to Apple ID users before they enable 2FA.



From >>> https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204915


We are busy with our daily lives and constantly bombarded with notifications, updates, etc... and usually, at a very importune moment (or so it seems!)

Yep. We all face that. Caveat Emptor.

Sep 10, 2018 4:38 PM in response to janeonjane

See FoxFifth

how to disable 2 step verification

and FoxFifth here

Cannot turn off two factor authentication?

and

ANNOYING TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION WARNING

and

Need to Disable Two Factor Authentication


Re: "I want to register my frustration. "


Please contact Apple directly here using this link below.

Product Feedback - Apple

Pick a product and indicate your concerns or suggestions,

Oct 10, 2018 9:19 PM in response to jayfromcotati

jayfromcotati wrote:


The problem for me that I have four people in my family who all use the same Apple ID. When we need to change something or do anything that requires us to use the two-factor code it's sent to my wife's phone. If she doesn't happen to be in the room, or is at work, etc. then we're basically locked out, which is beyond annoying. Forcing us into using something we don't want it downright Orwellian. We should be able to use what level of security makes sense for us individually. But the real question, why should we have to explain ourselves at all.

There is no reason why the verification code can only be sent to your wife's phone. If you read the article that Idris provided (Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID), it explains how Two-Factor works. You use Trusted Phone Numbers and Trusted Devices to receive Verification Codes. Add some more phone numbers to the Apple account: Apple - My Apple ID. Trusted Phone numbers can be any number that can receive a text or a phone call - iPhones, Androids, Landlines, any number you put there and verify.


It would behoove you to read the support article before getting tied up in a bunch about this. It's really quite accommodating if you know how to use it.


And just an additional note: Apple strongly recommends that people do not share Apple accounts. With Family Sharing, there is no reason for multiple people to share the same account anymore, and eventually, it will cause issues in other areas for you and your family members.


Best,


GB

Nov 28, 2018 5:26 PM in response to sylviefromsaint-lambert

FIRST, if you just turned it on you have 14 days to turn it off. Just click the link in the confirmation email.


But the root of your problem is that you share an Apple ID. They are intended to be used by only one person. See the 4th answer in this FAQ: Apple ID FAQ - Apple


What Apple did not forsee is that people would go against all of their advice and share an Apple ID. This is only one of the many problems that can result from sharing an Apple ID.


You can still make 2 FA work by listing all of your devices as contact points for 2 FA. And throw in one or more voice numbers.

Jan 26, 2019 4:44 PM in response to Flightrider

Doesn’t really matter what you or anyone wants. Apple is held legally responsible for their clients data stored on their network. They, as a corporation, have made the decision to thus require enhanced security for their clients login credentials. If you don’t like that, then don’t make or use an AppleID and therefore don’t use Apple online services like iCloud.


It’s your choice which online services you sign up for and use. It is the choice of the company providing the service and thus legally responsible for your data stored on their systems as to what they decide is appropriate security for logins (minimum password lengths, minimum password complexity, password expiration, two factor authentication or whatever the company policy is for use of their online services).


It is is well known that systems protected solely by passwords are inherently less secure than those with additional login requirements. It is also well known that many people routinely use trivial and insecure passwords, forget them, share them when they shouldn’t and so forth. Since companies are the legally liable entity when personal or private data is breached, more and more companies are looking for ways to force people to take their own account security more seriously, or at least protect unauthorized access better then has been traditionally done in the past.


Apple is also very publicly dedicated to a privacy policy that ensures, as much as absolutely possible, that you, and only you, can access your private or personal data. They are deliberately designing their systems so their own people cannot get to and read your data, nor can law enforcement or any other person or agency unauthorized and un-enabled by you, the client and owner of the data. https://www.apple.com/privacy/

Jan 28, 2019 9:56 AM in response to Yotsiri

You can receive codes to any SMS or voice capable telephone number you’ve registered in your AppleID profile. I use a Google voice number as my ultimate backup for 2FA codes. See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915


”Trusted phone numbers

A trusted phone number is a number that can be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in two-factor authentication.

You should also consider verifying an additional phone number you can access, such as a home phone, or a number used by a family member or close friend. You can use this number if you temporarily can't access your primary number or your own devices.”

I WANT TO TURN OFF TWO FACTOR VERIFICATION!!!!! It is a total pain in the butt and I want the option to turn it off. Help!!!!! How can apple not allow us to turn this time-suck feature off? I want to register my frustration.

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