How to turn off two factor authentication?

Thank you Mr. Lane. That was helpful. This all started with trying to add my iCloud mail to my MS 365 Mail. I like the ability to view all my mail in one application on all my devices. I too thought the 2S method was an added benefit until adding it to my Apple account Security caused problems when I purchased a new pc. I deduced that any device that was activated before I added 2S and still loads correctly is not verifying with 2S. 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. One other thing might be the browser security on my pc. I can turn it off then try again. What are your thoughts?

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.

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.

Note that if you create a new AppleID and don’t enable two factor authentication, you cannot use several services, like:

messages in icloud

iCloud Keychain

Apple Pay

Home Kit

Those and an increasing number of Apple services require 2FA with your AppleID.

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.

Apple duped me into turning on two-factor authorization when I wanted to replace a missing AirPod and now my email doesn't work on either my Mac or my iPhone. I have to go through iCloud to get my mail, and it has to send me a code before I can check my mail. This is insanely stupid.

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...

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.

Adilchaudhry wrote:

what can i do when i dont have my that device with me .. i want to turn off two factor authentication . its so irritating lol

You can start by reading this thread, especially the answer at the top of each page marked "Apple recommended".

Dear Mr Apple

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

Every time i want to use my mail accounts they are locked because I need to enter T F A and its costing me valuable time.

Please get it sorted

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...

Why not add the 1Password style rotating, “one time password”? TFA may not be broken in the technical sense, but I think you have plenty of posts in this thread outlining why it doesn’t work for many Apple clients. To force a sub-optimal solution on the entire user base when it is clearly inadequate technology is insane.

if I don't have my second device (which shows me the verification cade)

You do not need a second device. Never have.

What happens when I have my computer with me but left my mobile phone at home? ?

Your Mac can be a trusted device and receive codes.

Of course it's not going away. But it needs to be voluntary rather than compulsory. People resent being forced to jump through multiple hoops to make their devices function. Some may need that other layer of security. For others, it's a genuine burden. I administer a total of six Apple devices. Two of those are MacBooks for users who don't have a phone. One of those MacBooks travels frequently to Europe, where the the user needs a different phone, number, and system. Users need to be able to disable this function based on their specific needs. Apple needs to return to the Jobs ethic: "It Just Works."

This thread is over two years old now and nothing has changed. Yet you tell LACAllen his advice to leave feedback is unhelpful. What exactly are you expecting from fellow users? We can’t change anything. After two years of ranting and raving Apple has not made a change. It is what it is. Apple says it requires 2FA for certain features and services and they are obviously not going to change their policy any time soon. Most of my credit card and banking websites now require 2FA to login, meaning I had to establish a trusted channel for receiving login codes, such has phone number, email address, mobile phone number for texting, etc. These websites didn’t allow opt-in, they just said this is the way it is if you want to use our website.