How to Turn off Two-Factor Authentication on Apple Devices

Learn the latest about turning off 2FA from Apple ID

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Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
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Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.

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Scott Orgera
Updated on December 02, 2020

Two-factor authentication adds a layer of protection to your Apple ID. Still, it can be inconvenient if you don't have access to the trusted device needed to use 2FA, leaving you with no way to log in. Apple provides a way to turn off two-factor authentication on your iPhone and other iOS devices. However, it can get tricky if you enable 2FA for an extended period.

How to Turn off Two-Factor Authentication on Apple Devices

2FA is not tied to a specific device like your iPhone or MacBook. Instead, it connects to your Apple ID. This account is used across all your Apple devices for several purposes, including accessing the App Store, working with your iCloud repository, transmitting iMessages, and making FaceTime calls. You can disable it following the steps below.

If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your account for more than two weeks, you won't have the option to disable it.

Apple removed the ability to cancel two-factor authentication following a 14-day grace period. It stated that certain features found in the latest versions of macOS and iOS require 2FA's added level of security. Therefore, it should no longer be an optional setting.

During the 14-day grace period, use these steps to disable 2FA:

  1. Locate the two-factor authentication enrollment email, which you received at the email address associated with your Apple ID when you activated 2FA.

  2. Scroll toward the bottom of the email and select a link or button intended to return your account to its previous security settings.

    This process reverts other security settings that have changed on your account since enrolling in 2FA.

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to commit these changes.

If Disabling 2FA is a Requirement

If you're in a predicament where the grace period has expired, and you must remove 2FA, contact Apple Support.

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