How to turn off two factor authentication?

You can’t.

(Sorry for the “harsh-sounding” reality)

What makes you think that you need to do so?

So … since you’re going to have to “live with it” …

Recommend that you carefully review and thoroughly digest the two fairly important and informative articles linked below.

Pay particularly close attention to thoughtfully selecting and setting up Trusted Numbers … these become critical when you need to regain access to your account (e.g. lost, damaged, or stolen device).

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

and

Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

Guidance is provided here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

[Scroll down to, “…Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I’ve turned it on?”]

If you enabled it less than 2 weeks ago find the email confirmation (which you may have deleted). There will be a link in it to disable 2 factor authentication. if it is more than 2 weeks then you cannot remove it.

See this Apple support link-->Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

rathana80 wrote:

How to turn off Two-factor authentication for apple id on ios 10.5.1?

If you have had 2FA enabled for less than 14 days, you can disable it using the link in the confirmation email.

If you have had it enabled for more than 14 days, you cannot turn it off.

That explanation has been provided on pretty much every page of this thread.

Actually, there is. You just need to read it:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

See under the FAQs towards the bottom of the page.

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

cmc9674 wrote:

Need to turn off 2 factor authentication on my MacBook Pro 12/2020

If it has been less than 14 days since you enabled it, you can turn it off using the link in the enrollment confirmation email you received. If it has been more than 14 days, 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, you can unenroll within two weeks of enrollment. 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 higher security.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Hello

sincerely

If you already use two-factor authentication, you cannot disable it. Some features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this additional level of security, designed to protect your information. If you recently updated your account, you can cancel your registration within two weeks.

Look the next article.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Basically, you can't turn it off. However, if you explain to people exactly what problems you're having with it, people may able to help you work them out.

On what devices are you being asked for the 2FA code? Under what circumstances? Generally, it's something you should be asked for maybe once a week. I used to work for a company that cleared cookies in the background. That messed with the "trust" setting. But, other than that, it's not usually something I need to do.

If the place you're at where your phone can't receive messages has a landline, you can add that as trusted number. I don't believe email is even an option that Apple offers.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Threatening not to buy Apple products in the future is of little concern to the people in this forum, your fellow users. Most of us would say that you should buy the tool that best meets your needs.

2FA can’t be turned off.

Is there a particular aspect about which you are anxious, or with which you are having difficulty and with which we might assist?

Suggest you carefully read the articles linked below to better understand it’s “workings.”

Pay particular attention and use care when setting-up your Trusted Numbers. You’ll need these to regain access to your account if you loose access to ALL of your trusted devices.

(Which is ESPECIALLY important if you own ONLY one device)

Also consider setting-up a Recovery Contact.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support

That it is not typical at all and no, not even Apple employees can turn it off for themselves.

Since yours appears to not be working as expected you should contact Apple directly for proper assistance.

Contact Apple by call or chat from Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Apple now requires 2 factor authentication for all Apple IDs. The only exception is if you created the account more than 5 years ago and never added 2 factor authentication. But once you add it you cannot remove it.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

See >>> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Sorry, accidentally hit Post before I put in my response:

Yes, it appears you can turn off two factor verification. I was just reading an article, and it says that you can unenroll in two factor verification for a period of 2 weeks, and then set it back up with the privacy setting that does NOT require two factor verification.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

However, I'm in the middle of MBA midterms, and haven't been able to look deeper into it. The article is a little ambiguous to me. I can't tell if you can only turn it off when you first turn it on. I hope an Apple tech reads this thread, because I need to turn it off, because my husband needs to access iCloud in an area where he has internet access (limited), but no cell service..

I'm going to be checking further into this later this week -- frankly, I trust Apple far more than I'd ever trust Google and Microsoft, who make a lot of money selling our information. Have you heard about the latest Google privacy violation in Europe? Just a thought. For a corporation, I think Apple does a great job.

OK, so first, it is Two-Factor Authentication. I know you probably think that it is being pedantic, but many people here and other countries still use Two-Step Verification, so interchanging any of the words except Two, will inevitably result in confusion.

You can only turn off Two-Factor Authentication for 14 days after you initially set it up. And that doesn't even apply to all users. Some users who set up Apple IDs in iOS 10.3 or macOS 10.12.4 had it as a part of the initial set-up, for example.

And, your husband does not need cell service (or even be on the internet) to be able to get a verification code for signing in. If the device the Verification Code is being sent to is an iOS device, the Verification Code is not a message at all. So, in that case, only internet access is needed. Cellular service is not required at all.

And if there is no access to the internet, then a Verification Code can be generated on the device itself:

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.

Best,

GB