Two-Factor Authentication on Non-Apple Devices

[jblagden]

I want to switch to Linux and Android. However, I would like to be able to use my iCloud email address on Linux and Android. But now, you have to create a special code for each app. Is there someway to do this which doesn't require an Apple device for two-factor authentication?

 

[Weaselboy]

Is there someway to do this which doesn't require an Apple device for two-factor authentication?

I don't think you need an Apple device at all. Go to the 2FA setup for your AppleID and it will allow you to add backup authentication methods. You can add an SMS number and even a landline where it will auto call you with the code.

 

[jblagden]

I don't think you need an Apple device at all. Go to the 2FA setup for your AppleID and it will allow you to add backup authentication methods. You can add an SMS number and even a landline where it will auto call you with the code.

Excellent. Just where can I do that?

 

[Weaselboy]

Excellent. Just where can I do that?

https://appleid.apple.com/#!&page=signin

Login here.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

This explains a bit more.

 

[jblagden]

The strange thing about it is that I haven't actually set up two-factor authentication. Will I actually have to set up two-factor authentication and then generate an app-specific password for Thunderbird? I'm curious because I didn't think I would have to generate an app-specific password because I always avoided setting up two-factor authentication.

 

[Weaselboy]

The strange thing about it is that I haven't actually set up two-factor authentication. Will I actually have to set up two-factor authentication and then generate an app-specific password for Thunderbird? I'm curious because I didn't think I would have to generate an app-specific password because I always avoided setting up two-factor authentication.

Yeah... there was something came out a few months ago I recall where Apple said if you use a third party app with an app-specific password, you have to turn on 2FA.