How to Turn On or Off Two-Factor Authentication

When you use an Apple device, having an Apple ID is your most crucial security. You must enter your Apple ID account information whenever you wish to sign in to your Apple ID for the first time on new Apple devices like iPad you have just acquired. This action is to ensure your safety. Besides, Apple adds an extra layer of security - Two-Factor Authentication, to safeguard your account. Next, we’ll next introduce Two-factor Authentication and show you how to turn it on or off.

1. What Is Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID

Even if other people have access to your Apple ID password, your account will still get protection by using two-factor authentication(2FA), which is an additional layer of protection for your Apple ID. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 9 or later, as well as Macs running OS X El Capitan or later.

When you sign in to a new device or login iCloud site for the first time, you will be required to input the Apple ID password and the two-factor authentication verification code. This six-digit verification code will automatically display on your trusted devices or trusted number. If you do not have the two-factor authentication verification code, you may not be able to sign in to the new device or access iCloud.

Note: You can login iCloud Find My without verification codes, which helps you locate a lost device conveniently.

2. How to Turn On Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID

You need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and a phone number that you can use to receive verification codes through text messages or phone calls to enable two-factor authentication.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID on iPhone

Step 1. To enable "Two-Factor Authentication" on your iPhone, go to the "Settings" app > "Your name" > "Sign-In & Security".

Step 2. Tap "Two-Factor Authentication" and enable it.

Step 3. Then add a phone number to receive verification codes.

Step 4. Choose the receive method, either SMS or voice call. After that, you’ll receive a verification code. Simply enter the six-digit code on the next screen to complete the setup.

Your iPhone is now a trusted device for your Apple ID and the phone number you are using is also a trusted phone number. After that, any Apple device that has successfully signed in with your Apple ID and been verified will be treated as a trusted device. You can also add different phone numbers as trusted numbers for verification purposes.

3. How to Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID

Can you turn off two-factor authentication for your Apple ID? The possibility is very low. In most cases, once enabled, it cannot be turned off. Only some older Apple IDs that enabled 2FA recently may have had a short window, about 2 weeks, to disable it. For new Apple IDs where two-factor authentication is required by default, the feature cannot be turned off. If you have just enabled two-factor authentication on an older Apple ID, you may try the following steps to turn it off.

Step 1. Sign in https://appleid.apple.com/ using your Apple ID. Enter the verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number for two-factor authentication.

Step 2. In the "Security" section, choose the "Edit" option. After that, click the link "Turn off Two-Factor Authentication." Then, follow the onscreen steps to disable 2FA.

How to Sign Out Of Apple ID Without Password (iPhone)

Without a two-factor authentication verification code, you won’t be able to sign in to your Apple ID on other Apple devices. On the other hand, if you don’t have your Apple ID password, you won’t be able to sign out of your Apple ID on your device. If Find My is turned off, you can simply reset your device to remove the Apple ID(data loss here). However, if Find My is enabled, a basic reset will not remove the Apple ID and may instead trigger iCloud Activation Lock. Don’t worry, in this situation, you can use Eassiy iPhone Access, which allows you to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone without requiring the Apple ID credentials and without getting your device stuck in Activation Lock.

Step 1. Launch Eassiy iPhone Access on your desktop after installation. Then, click Remove Apple ID and connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2. Make sure Two-Factor Authentication and the screen passcode are enabled on your iPhone. Then click Start Now and confirm the removal.

Step 3. After a short while, the Apple ID removal will be completed. Simply follow the on-screen instructions in the Eassiy software before setting up your iPhone.

Emil Herz

Edited by

With over a decade of experience in tech writing, He enjoys researching the latest software and electronics to resolve and share solutions for iOS, Android, and computer users.