How to turn off two factor authentication?

So I too got stuck in this endless cycle. I went back through my email to find my two factor verification email. I had read that you can “suspend” it for 2 weeks. Which in turn would allow to actually sign back into Apple TV... anyways. Once in the email, towards the bottom there’s something to the effect of “if you didn’t sign up for two factor...click here to return your setting to original” it turned it off. And I had to do was reset my password. It’s gone. I’m signed back in and so much happier.

How to turn off TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?

As has been explained in this thread (repeatedly), if you've had it for more than 14 days, you cannot.

How to manage my subscriptions?

Assuming you mean apps subscriptions, see this article:

View, change, or cancel your subscriptions - Apple Support

If you mean something else, please explain.

I didn't know it was that restricting!

PLease I want to remove it!

You can't remove it.

What is it about it that you find so restricting? If you explain what problems you're having with it, perhaps someone can help you learn how to work around those issues.

I've believed for a long time that people should need a license to use the Internet, and have to pass a test on basic security and how to read instructions. Like these-->Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support which are also in the user guide and are displayed when you go to enable 2FA.

Apple's 2 factor authentication has nothing to do with any device setting or feature, nor is it about protecting a device. It is about securing your AppleID - the singly unified online account credentials that Apple users use to access any and all online services with Apple. There have always been minimum requirements for AppleID passwords, and now there is the requirement for 2FA in keeping with Apple's publicly stated goals for user privacy and data protection.

Since Apple Inc. is the legally responsible stewards of your online data in your Apple accounts, they have the right (and I would say the responsibility) to take whatever steps they feel is minimally necessary to ensure people's accounts are reasonably protected against unwanted or unauthorized access. Some banks and financial companies are also moving to required 2 factor logins for the same reasons. Passwords alone are notorious for online service data breaches, especially since so many people are very lax or even outright careless with their online account passwords. Since companies are on the legal hook for that, more and more are coming to realize that simple password only account authorization is not enough.

There need be no other reasons at all for any company to require 2 factor logins to your online accounts and data held on their hardware and virtual systems. If you do not like or accept their security model, then you do not have to use their online services.

People continue to demand convenience along with security for their online accounts and personal data. Yet those two concepts are inherently mutually exclusive, and always have been. The more convenient a login authentication system is, the less secure it is, and vice versa.

My devices are a mess too! I’ll never be convinced that this is good. I simply want to opt out!

Opting out is not currently an option. So, why don't you explain what your specific problems are so someone can try to help you work them out.

If you don’t want that much security then don’t use iCloud. It is a condition of using iCloud, just as it is a requirement by your bank to have a strong password whether you want to or not. And if you read the thread you posted to you will find other information that you might find valuable.

nocommunitiesname wrote:

I did NOT turn on two factor authentication, so I am NOT already using it.

If it is turned on, you are, in fact, using it. If it's turned on, someone turned it on. You can't turn it off.

Perhaps if you explain why it's a major headache, someone can help you learn how to use it so that it isn't. If I have to enter a code more than twice a month (across about 5 devices), that's a lot. So, there's no reason it has to be a "major headache".

Yes, the first time you sign into this forum, you'll be asked for your verification. After that, you shouldn't be unless you delete your cookies.

nocommunitiesname wrote:

Therefore, I am NOT using it!

You apparently used it to sign in here. So, while you may not want to use it, you apparently are.

I WANT IT OFF!

As has been explained, repeatedly in this thread, that is not an option.

Additionally, we are users like you, volunteering our time to help people. Yelling at us will accomplish nothing except making people uninterested in helping you.

Apples stupid idea that they know best, and have made it so that the two factor authentication can not be switched off, is one of the reasons I am going android on my next mobile. The decision to have or not have two factor authentication should be up to the owner not the seller.

gombs wrote:

Thanks to apple for making sure our personal information is secure. Am wondering whether Apple can really allow us to make a choice in this matter!!. I wish there was a warning that once you enable it there is no going back.

Of course Apple could make it optional (other companies do offer two step logins as optional added security). They have chosen not to, at least if using certain new services or features like messages in iCloud, iCloud Keychain, Apple Pay, an Apple Card.

There are companies I wish would offer it, even if only as an option (e.g. certain major credit cards whose online access security consists of password only, with no second factor access options at all). Heck, even Sony brightened up and offered it after their Sony Store big hack of a few years go. Stunning to me that some major online financial service providers don’t offer it at all yet.

cfowler24 wrote:

It’s a waste of time because once you’ve lost your phone or change your number you have to wait 14 or more days to reset your password. I really don’t need it

Not if you've set things up properly. Your phone should never be your only trusted device or number. If I lost every Apple device I own, I'd still be able to log into my account. I have my work number listed as a trusted number. I can get the coded called to that number. You can use a landline, friend or relative's phone number or, if you have one, a Google Voice number.

customer service as they won’t help

Can't help. Big difference. The service can't be turned off after 14 days.

flat refuse to help either with turning off

Can't help.

Register your concerns with Apple directly. If they choose to reverse their position, it will be due to feedback there, not rants here.

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

Your issues if I recall are about multiple devices and being in remote areas.

No government agency can compel anyone to provide better cell reception. I also suggested you get codes on your device and you never responded if that worked.

Effort has been made to help. You just wish to remain angry.

babowa wrote:

Did you bother to read any one of the now 82 pages here at all????

You CANNOT turn it off if you turned it on more than 2 weeks ago.

my user name might not even ring a bell but I’m sorry. I actually laughed out loud. It’s been a rough day and I needed that. I’m really saying this with virtual affection.....I’m happy to know I’m not the only one you virtually yell at. Lol This thread has been interesting.

hAltonJones wrote:

How am I being forced? Simply put, I don't want it. I'm not able to turn it off. Seems to be that qualifies as "being forced".

"2FA" is not required unless it's required. And to think I've got a Ph.D. and I couldn't figure that out. Not required unless it's required at which time it's required.

Read it again, adding 2FA is not required unless the feature you want requires it. Don't twist my words. It is a feature dependent option. If none of your Apple services/features requires 2FA, why did you enable it?

You got an email as soon as you enabled 2FA, which clearly states you can disable it within 14 days by clicking on the link.