Two-factor authentication

[DrBrush]

Hi,

My Dad has a Mac running Mavericks, and no other apple device.

He recently had a red spot appear on the iCloud system preferences and when you open that up there is the following message at the top of the window:

"Two-Factor Authentication. Protect your Apple ID and iCloud data with an extra layer of security." And a "Continue" button.​

I clearly don't want to (can't !) turn on two-factor authentication as he has no other device, but can I rid him of that message by hitting continue and declining later on through the process? I have to do all my support using TeamViewer as he lives 300 miles away so do not want to do anything that might not work perfectly first time...

Thanks,

DrB

 

[Longkeg]

In one sentence you say he has no other “Apple” device, in another you say he has no other device. Which is it? I’m pretty sure 2 factor authorization works with any phone that can receive texts.
Factor 1: log in with username and password
Factor 2: Apple sends you a text or email to a designated phone or email address containing a numeric code. Input the code to complete the log in.
Some iCloud features don’t work if you don’t have 2 factor enabled.

 

[DrBrush]

He has no other device. A phone for emergencies, but he has never sent a text message and only turns it on once a month!

He doesn't care about iCloud, so doesn't care if any iCloud features don't work.

He definitely does not want 2-factor authentication, but we would ideally like to remove the message asking him to turn it on. Do you know if pressing that continue button takes you down a route of being forced into turning it on, or can we bail out after pressing continue, to rid him of the message?

 

[Longkeg]

If I remember correctly clicking “Continue” takes you to a page where you enter info. You can still cancel at that point. Just don’t click on anything like “Submit” or “Enable Two Factor Authorization” and you should be fine. Don’t think that will fix you problem though. The red alert badge may go away for a little while but it will be back.