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.

Highly doubtful to you, but I am here to tell you that is the case. Why do you think I am on here? I could come on to tell you how great things are, but who searches for that?

I had it yesterday, I had been on iCloud all day accessing my iCloud drive. Then for some reason, poof I need 2 factor authority to get in. Fortunately I had another device around. But had I just had my phone and was in a meeting, I wouldn't have had a laptop and would have been locked out. That is the issue here and why people hate it. This is the reason why it should be a choice.

You can be an apple worshiper, I used to love apple. I bought my first apple in 1994 and I am increasingly disillusioned when it comes to stupid stuff apple does, stick with developing good stuff and dump this stupid crap. Maybe its a good idea for some, but it isn't for many.

You can be an apple worshiper.

No. A truth and accuracy worshipper. The internet is awash with bad intel. This community should be a place for accuracy.

I gave you a link to Apple documentation that shows the information given to you about a one time verification for 2FA is not accurate. Whether they said this to you or not is now moot.

The information is incorrect.

There are many reasons for one to need to request a new 2FA verification code. It has never been and will never be a one time requirement. What would its security value be in that case?

No need to answer. I am done here.

gixymonkey wrote:

I have been guided through the process by apple support. Several times.

Then it appears either the instruction didn't take or, despite what you've been told, you haven't set things up properly.

What devices are you using as trusted devices? What phone numbers are you using as trusted numbers? How many?

I think it has much more to do with Apple's move into the world of finance, Apple Pay, than it does with protecting your data. If you actually read the all boiler plate language you have to agree to in order to use Apple services I think you will find that, like most technology companies, Apple denies any responsibility whatsoever for the consequences of using their software or their iCloud storage.

I do agree, though, that it is a very good thing to protect your data as much as you can and that Apple 2FA can certainly help with that. I just do not find the experience of using it is up to Apple's usual high standard.

Wow, this is quite a thread that’s sometimes riled the locals...

1. I suspect a lot of issues of repeated requests for 2FA codes might be due to people naively using Private (Incognito) browser settings, or otherwise blocking cookies.
2. My issue and reason for not enabling 2FA is that I want to be able to access my iCloud account online in an emergency situation (say when travelling) when I don’t have any of my devices. Some people suggest a backup of an online VoIP number. Are there any of these that work without 2FA themselves?
3. I’m sad that I’m locked out of more and more iCloud features because new ones need 2FA. Not sure why scanning a document with my iPhone needs 2FA, when handing-off an email doesn't?

I hope 1 might help some people. Maybe someone can address 2 and persuade me to embrace 2FA with a good online way of getting a code. I suspect 3 is being used as an unreasonably big stick to encourage the proletariat to comply.

Thanks in advance! 😀

It was for reason of getting access to my Contacts and Email in the absence of my other lost/stolen gear so I can get assistance. As I’m not US based so looks like I’m right to avoid 2FA in my scenario. BTW can you get to Google’s SMS without their own 2FA?

Get a Google Voice number is an absurd answer and a very dangerous one also! The SOLE reason I bought an expensive iPhone from Apple was in order to finally get a smart phone and preserve at least some privacy. If I had purchased an Android phone, Google would own me and all my extensive efforts, since I got my first computer in 1999, to shut out Google would be for naught. Supposedly, the primary reason most get iPhones (over Android) is because of wanting privacy which means avoiding Google, Android operating system, Facebook, etc. I didn't drink the Cool-aid.

I haven't enabled 2 factor authentication either.

If you’re using Google’s own 2 Step verification with o your Gmail login IDS, and you’re using an untrusted computer or browser to login, then yes, you’ll need to be able to get a Google 2FA code via text, voice call or via their mobile app.

https://www.google.com/landing/2step/

Melelina20 wrote:

Get a Google Voice number is an absurd answer and a very dangerous one also!

That’s your opinion. Others may hold a different one. Over 1.5 million people use Google Voice numbers every day and clearly have no issue with them. Many have been using those numbers since GrandCentral began the service.

But there is nothing dangerous in suggesting using Google Voice. People can decide for themselves whether to use it, or not, just as people can decide to use any other VOIP service, or not.

I feared that would be the case Michael. IdrisSeabright, that backup code sounds interesting, but I don’t think that would help me if I’m away from home and lose all my stuff and want to get into my account via iCloud.com on a random browser.

I wonder, do any of the strong 2FA advocates here have a solution for my scenario and concern?

Melelina20, I'm no fan of Google’s approach to my data either.

Melelina20 wrote:

Get a Google Voice number is an absurd answer and a very dangerous one also!

Why?

The SOLE reason I bought an expensive iPhone from Apple was in order to finally get a smart phone and preserve at least some privacy. If I had purchased an Android phone, Google would own me and all my extensive efforts, since I got my first computer in 1999, to shut out Google would be for naught. Supposedly, the primary reason most get iPhones (over Android) is because of wanting privacy which means avoiding Google, Android operating system, Facebook, etc.

It's very rare that you would need to use the GV number. It's an emergency back up.

I didn't drink the Cool-aid.

Given the recent anniversary of the death of 909 people at Jonestown, that's rather callous and offensive.

MyFeedback wrote:

I feared that would be the case Michael. IdrisSeabright, that backup code sounds interesting, but I don’t think that would help me if I’m away from home and lose all my stuff and want to get into my account via iCloud.com on a random browser.

I wonder, do any of the strong 2FA advocates here have a solution for my scenario and concern?

No technology is perfect. What if there's a massive network outage wherever you're traveling? I always carry emergency contact numbers on a piece of paper (I even laminated it) in my wallet. Not only is it a useful back up for me but, in the event of an accident in which I couldn't speak, it might be helpful.

emergency contact numbers on a piece of paper (I even laminated it) in my wallet

Beautifully low tech! What 2FA has brought us to... Just teasing!

I think I might avoid 2FA for a little longer yet. Thanks for trying to lead me to the light side.

MyFeedback wrote:

Beautifully low tech! What 2FA has brought us to... Just teasing!

Ha! But seriously. I've done this for years, since long before I knew what 2FA was. Just like I always take paper topo maps and a compass with me when I hike (and I keep a road atlas in my car).

Melelina20 wrote:

Get a Google Voice number is an absurd answer and a very dangerous The SOLE reason I bought an expensive iPhone from Apple was in order to finally get a smart phone and preserve at least some privacy.

I haven't enabled 2 factor authentication either.

And if you don't have two factor authentication on your account you have ZERO privacy, because any hacker who wants to access your Apple ID account can do it easily. The only reason it might not be hacked is because no one has wanted to. The explanation of why this is so is published elsewhere in this thread. And this is not just Apple. ANY online account that does not have 2FA can be easily hacked. Thank you, Equifax!

I didn't drink the Cool-aid.

I guess you have no concept of why that is an incredibly offensive statement, equating the choice of a product to the agonizing deaths by cyanide poisoning of over 900 men, women and children. How about at least a little sensitivity?