Two-Factor Authentication

2FA is to protect your Apple ID, not your device. You aren't going to need to use it very much if you only have a Mac. But, it will prevent someone else from trying to log into your Apple ID from some other device.

If you're in the U.S. you can get a Google Voice number and use that as one of your trusted numbers. You can access that from pretty much any device.

You do not have to set it up unless you are running the latest OS and wish to use certain apps or processes that require it. There is not list of those, but I do know that ApplePay and Messages require it. If you do not set it up, the OS will tell you to if you are trying to use one of the processes requiring it. I do not have it set up as I do not use Applepay, Messages, Facetime or any iCloud stuff. I also do not appreciate having my phone number in an online database ready for the hacking.

You need 1 or two

Trusted phone numbers

A trusted phone number is a number that can be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in two-factor authentication.

You should also consider verifying an additional phone number you can access, such as a home phone, or a number used by a family member or close friend. You can use this number if you temporarily can't access your primary number or your own devices.

2FA is for your security, to be safe, you should use it. Also, the latest macOS and iOS requires it.

When I set mine up I did it with just the one trusted phone number, and it works fine. The article says "you should consider a 2nd phone #"; however it does work for me with only one trusted phone #, my iPod touch & MacBook Pro.

Who can turn on two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is available to iCloud and iTunes users with at least one device that's using the latest iOS or macOS. Here are the minimum recommended system requirements for all devices that you use with your Apple ID:

• iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that uses a passcode, with iOS 9 and later
• Mac with OS X El Capitan and iTunes 12.3 and later
• Apple Watch with watchOS 2 and later
• Apple TV (4th generation) with tvOS
• Windows PC with iCloud for Windows 5 and iTunes 12.3.3 and later

Sue - I thought the above may be helpful to you. You do not have to set it up. 🙂

That's how I did it with a land line (my only phone). I got the call(from Apple, with verification code) during the time I was setting up TFA. So I'm pretty sure the call comes in right while you're setting it up; so you control when you'll be home

to receive the verification code. Actually it was a lot easier than I expected, I had no problems.

Yes one will do but having two, you are safe.

You are welcome. Remember that you will need to make a decision if you get a notice: either set it up or do not use that app or process.

I believe you need to have two devices, like iPhone & MacBook Air, or iPod touch & MacBook Pro, etc. When You're

setting it up you automatically get a verification code which pops up on device and you have to enter it on computer

to complete set up. You also need to use a phone number. Hope this helps.

Actually, I'm not an expert Sue. In my own experience, I entered the verification code on my Mac from the Apple phone call. Then a code

popped up on my iPod touch & I entered that code on that device. That's all there was for me to do. I think I may have had a second time when another code popped up on screen (Mac) & had to be entered again. After that I haven't had to do anything else.