How to turn off two factor authentication?

How to turn off two factor authentication?

Posted on Sep 18, 2018 12:33 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 10, 2023 5:50 AM

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

2,627 replies

Oct 22, 2020 12:16 PM in response to symiller54

A lot of folks don't remember turning 2FA on, even though you have to choose to do it. But I do sort of recall you really have to watch what you're tapping to avoid turning it on. I only mention that because I'm not sure how trying to add your iCloud mail address to 365 would turn it on.


Creating a new account for your phone won't prevent you from accessing your previous account's email since you can add any email address you want to Mail or MS 365.

On the new pc device when I attempt to load my Apple mail account it sends the verification code but on the PC there is no place to enter the code.

That's odd. You're getting a 2FA code on your PC, but the browser has nowhere to enter it? That may be a limitation of Win 10's new Edge browser. Try Firefox and see if it will allow you to enter the code. But as you mention, security settings may be blocking the field to enter the 6 digit 2FA code.

Oct 22, 2020 12:34 PM in response to symiller54

This all started with trying to add my iCloud mail to my MS 365 Mail.

So this requires using an app specific password which requires 2FA.


see >>> https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204397


There is no separate spot for your code. That is embedded within the app specific password.


However, if you have iCloud for Windows installed and running, it looks like you do not require an app specific password.



Oct 22, 2020 3:12 PM in response to LACAllen

LACAllen, thank you for your response. I did see the setting for the app controls password. I started to follow the instructions but I stopped. What you have said is logical. If I’m able to open the ICloud for Windows app then I should be able to set up my Apple mail in MS Mail (Not Outlook). I’ll give it another go. If you think of anything else please let me know. I will let you know if it works.

Oct 23, 2020 12:30 PM in response to Michael Black

Michael black

This is and has always been.my point with 2FA

I no longer have an issue with my 2FA as it seems to be fixed (judgement reserved pending future updates)

But apple are still selling these products advertised with all the great apple features but absolutely no mention of having to use 2FA to actually use them.

So it's somewhat misleading and I think this is the biggest problem most people are having.

When 2FA Works is ok but when it fails it's an unnecessary stress on your day to day use.

The fact that Apple device is a door stop without an apple account only adds to this confusion.

Apple need to make everyone aware of this prior to purchase and not after they are trapped.

Oct 24, 2020 9:46 AM in response to dineqa

Two factor authentication is terrible, it is constantly irritating your users. I have apps on my devices from Apple IDs in four out of five countries that I've lived in over the life of iPhone. Apple forces two factor authentication for all kinds of garbage like updating apps. First guess which country you lived in when you downloaded that app, then figure out which email address/password correlate, then try to figure out which phone number apple is going to try and use to authenticate your account.


Google Voice is the one saving grace in the equation because it allows me one consistent phone number that actually works when I move from country to country. Just like Google Maps being the only decent use for iPhone for decades when apple gimped their maps app.


Maybe I should be looking to Google for more of my solutions and leaving the apple-sphere...


Oct 24, 2020 2:15 PM in response to Marc Hildebrand

Before the pandemic I often flew back and forth from Europe, where I maintain a small apartment and a separate phone and phone number. I'm not at all sure how 2FA is going to work there, except that I'll have to make sure I have my US phone with me wherever I carry my laptop. I'm not ready to abandon the apple ecosphere, but I sure wish they'd go back to the Steve Jobs ethos that made Apple great: It Just Works.

Oct 24, 2020 2:58 PM in response to Robert Eversz

Robert Eversz wrote:

Before the pandemic I often flew back and forth from Europe, where I maintain a small apartment and a separate phone and phone number. I'm not at all sure how 2FA is going to work there, except that I'll have to make sure I have my US phone with me wherever I carry my laptop. I'm not ready to abandon the apple ecosphere, but I sure wish they'd go back to the Steve Jobs ethos that made Apple great: It Just Works.

See Get a code while offline


https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204974


Oct 29, 2020 9:24 AM in response to Smudger111

Smudger111 wrote:

Dear Mr Apple

No one running Apple is named "Mr. Apple". The man currently in charge of Apple is Mr. Cook

Do you not think its time to listen to your customers and do something simple and fix two factor authentication ? Delete it

Two-factor authentication is not broken.

Every time i want to use my mail accounts they are locked because I need to enter T F A

On what device? Ordinarily, you shouldn't have to enter the 2FA code every time you log into email. More details would help us help you.

and its costing me valuable time.

Ten whole seconds?

Please get it sorted

Apple is not reading here for suggestions. You can let Apple know your thoughts on the matter here:


Product Feedback - Apple


But 2FA is not going away.

Oct 29, 2020 9:36 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Do you work with Apple in order to defend a service of which many people complain. Let's get a reality check.


  • I won't be able to access certain services because Two Factor Authentication if I don't have my second device (which shows me the verification cade) close to me. What happens when I have my computer with me but left my mobile phone at home? Also, one of the complaints I read is what happens if the second device which shows the Two Factor Authentication code is broken (yes indeed, devices brake). Some people had to struggle to get access to their services. Right or wrong?
  • It often takes more than ten seconds, and even ten seconds are annoying if you could do it within 0 seconds. For example Apple TV takes more time.....

It's unpractical, people don't like it, they don't perceive the value from the service.

So either improve marketing/communication explaining/teaching Apple clients why this is good and necessary for them or junk it.

Oct 29, 2020 9:42 AM in response to singh49asda

This is very frustrating. Trying to setup my daughters replacement phone and since her other devices are not here I am unable to setup her phone. There is no reason to force this authentication onto consumers. Corporations trying to protect proprietary information I understand but these are personal devices that any type of locks and security should be at the consumers discretion as to the level of security necessary. Ridiculous Apple, you're overstepping...

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How to turn off two factor authentication?

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