How to turn off two factor authentication?

reminiscex wrote:

It’s really annoying and I just want it turned off. Why is this not even an option?

Because Apple has chosen not to make in an option.

Again, if you have 2FA configured properly, you should rarely have to interact with it. I maybe have to use it once or twice a month. Under what circumstances are you finding you need to enter the code?

Hello ~ Just know about any device you move to 2 factor is either in place already or in the works. We all volunteer here each day to help people with questions and or problems. We do not work for Apple nor do I consider myself an Apple apologist either. It is simply the way it is and will stay for the foreseeable future. Nothing personal….just trying to explain the way that it is. Tough begin the messenger sometimes.

~Katana-San~

As you might have gleaned the 161 pages of this thread … we are users just like you and can’t take any actions on your account.

However, you CAN apprise Apple of your concerns and product suggestions and/or recommendations here:

Feedback - iCloud - Apple

That said, are you having any particular 2FA issues with which we might assist?

You might find the explanations and details provided in this article useful as well:

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

I guarantee you the first Advisor and Lead Advisor told you it was for security. Just because it’s not the answer you want doesn’t make it any less true.

Two factor authentication is industry standard notes, Google, banks, Apple, etc. all use it. It’s been around since early 2013. Then a few years ago it became the default for new Apple ID’s while also limiting turning it off to with the first 2 weeks from activating it.

If this is hill you choose to die on, that’s up to you and us other users here don’t really care. You’ll see 164 pages of posts with similar complaints to yours and replies telling everything the same thing.

Want it to be changed, create a more secure process that Apple will adopt. 🤷‍♀️

2FA does not use SMS for codes. It uses end to end encrypted iCloud notifications. SMS is available as an emergency backup method only.

I hate authentication apps as it is now another piece of software I have to rely on the developer keeping up to date and functional. They are a step backwards IMO, not forwards.

And Google 2 factor still uses SMS for authentication codes. And email if you wish it.

And Apple nor any other online service provider is going to give you control over how your data stored on their system is accessed. They all set what they feel are the necessary security for access to your data saved on their systems. None of them just let you control how you access it. Whether it’s password length limits or complexity requirements, 2 factor logins, security questions, etc the company holding the data sets the rules for how that data is accessed. They are the ones legally liable for it. They say what you must do to access their systems. It’s always been that way.

And just to reiterate. These are user forums. People here don’t work for Apple or have any say in any of this. So comments like “With all the responses, why not let the user make the decision and turn it off?” are pretty pointless here. Nobody here could change any of this even if they wanted to.

You are using a service provided by Apple. Apple gets to decide the level of security they require to protect their user's data on their servers provided by this service. Your choices are to use Apple's service, or not.

connienoran wrote:

Although I understand what your saying: I find the two factor more than annoying: yes, I did have it when i worked in a busy hospital but now that I am retired and a widow I don’t want or need it. Another thing, never once did it say if you put it on your phone you have it forever!!!

It's unclear to me what your job or marital status has to do with this. This is about Apple protecting data that you have stored on their servers. If 2FA is properly set up, you should rarely have to interact with it. I have to deal with it maybe once a month, but probably not even that much. I have an iPhone, an iPad, two Macs, a Windows computer, an Apple TV box and a smart TV running Apple TV. So, perhaps if you explain what it is about it that's so annoying, when you're seeing it, someone can help you figure it out.

We should be allowed the option of removal.

You're entilted to that opinion. Apple, however has a different one and the data is on their servers.

I just got off the phone with Apple Support. Everyone is correct - if you miss the two week window to cancel - you are forever locked into 2-factor. Ridiculous.

I think it is possible to turn off 2FA if you have the original Apple mail confirming the activation of 2FA.

In the mail body is a link for reverting 2FA activation.

Did you read the Apple Recommended answer to this post? It explains that you can turn off 2FA from the enrollment email within 14 days of having turned it on.

abidmoin wrote:

Off two factor authentication option

No, it's not an option.

Shirey3939 wrote:

I WANT TO DELETE TWO FACTOR AUTHORIZTION ON MY MAC.

YOU CAN’T.

brenz129 wrote:

How can I turn off my 2fa ?

See the answer at the top of the page marked "Apple recommended".

Please change this feature to grant us the access to decide to turn the 2wfa OFF!

Feedback for Apple goes here >>> http://www.apple.com/feedback/

Nobody here can make this change.

i was able to sort it out, visit your email concerning the activition of the two factor verification. You would see something like "Return to previous settings". Hope this helped.