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Two Factor Authentication

Just about every time I log onto icloud/this forum, etc. I am prompted for two-factor authentication on my personal laptop. The weird thing is it sends the code/permission to my personal laptop. So my laptop is alerting me that it is trying to use my apple ID, then asks me if it has permission, then sends the code to itself for me to then type in the browser. What is the point of this?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Mar 23, 2021 8:26 AM

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Posted on Mar 23, 2021 9:43 AM

Two factor authentication is designed to protect your Apple ID, not your laptop or other devices. The two-factors that are needed to log into an Apple ID are your password and a code from any of your trusted devices.


If someone steals one of your devices, also has the passcode to access that device, and also has your Apple ID password then they can gain access to your account.

If you did not have two-factor authentication turned on, then they would only need to know your Apple ID password. Two-factor makes it significantly more difficult.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 23, 2021 9:43 AM in response to austinlthom

Two factor authentication is designed to protect your Apple ID, not your laptop or other devices. The two-factors that are needed to log into an Apple ID are your password and a code from any of your trusted devices.


If someone steals one of your devices, also has the passcode to access that device, and also has your Apple ID password then they can gain access to your account.

If you did not have two-factor authentication turned on, then they would only need to know your Apple ID password. Two-factor makes it significantly more difficult.

Mar 23, 2021 12:01 PM in response to austinlthom

You open www.icloud.com from a web browser it prompts to continue with password , rather entering clicked on cancel manually entered Apple ID address and used password from this website , click on enter key the password is filled automatically ( as iCloud Keychain is set up and auto fill is enabled to save passwords for websites in keychain access ) .

Again click on enter key , it prompts for map , use don't allow , then prompts to change Apple ID password , click on don't change , the 2FA verification field appears .

The trusted number is added in the account and verified , but iPhone is not signed with same Apple ID and password as on Mac , so Mac acts as verified device and generates the code on itself .

Mar 23, 2021 12:50 PM in response to austinlthom

austinlthom wrote:

I see what you're saying but what is the point of two factor authentication when the authentication code is being sent to the device that needs to verify the authentication code? My laptop needs to enter a two factor code when logging into iCloud, and the same laptop is being sent the code

Again, see the following for the difference -- there definitely is a point to having two factor on even though the code is sent to the device being used:


A) With two factor, someone needs 1) your Apple ID password and 2) one of your devices as well as the passcode to that device.


B) Without two factor, someone needs only 1) your Apple ID password.


Which of the above two provides more security for your Apple ID?

Two Factor Authentication

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