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How to Disable Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID

For Apple IDs that have not yet enabled two-factor authentication, the system currently defaults to prompting users to enable this security feature upon each login. Without careful review, users might inadvertently bind a phone number and activate two-factor authentication. If you wish to disable two-factor authentication or remove a phone number from an already linked Apple ID, there are currently two effective methods you can use. The specific steps are detailed below.

This method is only applicable if it has been less than 14 days since two-factor authentication was enabled. Additionally, you must be able to log in to the email address associated with that Apple ID (please note that for shared accounts obtained online, accessing the original email is usually difficult; in such cases, Method Two is recommended).

Steps:

  1. After two-factor authentication is successfully enabled for your Apple ID, you will receive a system email with the subject "Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID."
  2. This email will contain a link to disable two-factor authentication that is valid for a limited time.
  3. Click the link and follow the on-screen prompts to reset your account password to successfully disable two-factor authentication.

(As shown in the figure: Clicking the link in the reminder email to disable Apple ID two-factor authentication)

Method Two: Disabling via the "Forgot Password" Entry

This method is only effective if it has been less than 7 days since two-factor authentication was enabled. You will need to accurately recall the "birth date" and "security questions" answers set when the Apple ID was registered.

Steps:

  1. First, visit Apple's official password reset page: https://iforgot.apple.com/password/verify/appleid
  2. On the page, enter your Apple ID, then click Continue.
  3. When the system prompts you to verify the bound phone number, look for and click "Don't recognize this number?".
  4. In the next interface, the system will ask if you want to disable two-factor authentication; please click "Disable."

(As shown in the figure: Click the prompt if you don't recognize the phone number added to the Apple ID)

  1. The system will ask you to verify your account identity information. Please accurately enter your "birth date" and the answers to your "security questions."
  2. After successful identity verification, click "Confirm Disable" to complete the request to turn off two-factor authentication.

(As shown in the figure: Confirm disabling two-factor authentication after verifying account identity information)

  1. Finally, the system will guide you to set a new password for this Apple ID. Once the new password is set, two-factor authentication will be successfully disabled.

(As shown in the figure: Resetting account password to complete Apple ID two-factor authentication disablement)

Friendly Reminder: After successfully disabling two-factor authentication, you can still re-enable it using the same or a newly added phone number if needed in the future.