Account Security ...... Two-Factor authentication

[Brawdy14]

Hi 🙂

I'm giving my iMac a 'service' and when endeavouring to add an additional 'phone number for TFA I'm given a warning saying:
"This phone number has been used too many times. Choose a different number."

What can I do to rectify this situation? Your guidance welcomed!

Thanks.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I believe you are stuck. That is a restriction Apple puts in place when you exceed the use threshold.

 

[Brawdy14]

I believe you are stuck. That is a restriction Apple puts in place when you exceed the use threshold.

Is this some form of marketing ploy to make me buy a new Apple iPhone?
Surely SOMETHING can be done to cancel the requirement.

 

[MarkC426]

I believe you are stuck. That is a restriction Apple puts in place when you exceed the use threshold.

For those of us (me), who are confused by this, does this refer to the same phone number being used on multiple Apple accounts? Surely if it's YOUR number, you can use it as much as you like for TFA....

 

[Brawdy14]

For those of us (me), who are confused by this, does this refer to the same phone number being used on multiple Apple accounts? Surely if it's YOUR number, you can use it as much as you like for TFA....

A chum has pointed me to this thread in the ASC forums:-

How can my friend resolve her phone probl… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Something doesn't seem quite right and proper. 😢

 

[Apple_Robert]

For those of us (me), who are confused by this, does this refer to the same phone number being used on multiple Apple accounts? Surely if it's YOUR number, you can use it as much as you like for TFA....

It is my understanding that it does refer to the same phone number being used across different accounts.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Is this some form of marketing ploy to make me buy a new Apple iPhone?
Surely SOMETHING can be done to cancel the requirement.

Once 2FA has been turned on on the account, it can't be turned off. I am unaware of Apple resetting the allowing threshold for the subject at hand.

 

[hg.wells]

I guess the question is how many Apple IDs do you have already set up with your phone number?

If you want to get this resolved it’s best to contact Apple to get to a solution.

 

[Blue Quark]

Unless you're using biometrics or something else which essentially cannot be faked, in my view 2FA/MFA is kind of pointless.

SMS can be intercepted. Phones can be spoofed. People can figure out your PIN or password. Any which way, once that's done they can authenticate themselves as you all day long.

 

[satcomer]

The only time if Husband and Wife both use the same Mac accounts and have one phone!

 

[Brawdy14]

I guess the question is how many Apple IDs do you have already set up with your phone number?

If you want to get this resolved it’s best to contact Apple to get to a solution.

Do any Apple employees use these forums?
If so, perhaps they will take this forward.

 

[hg.wells]

Do any Apple employees use these forums?
If so, perhaps they will take this forward.

Unlikely, you would need to contact Apple and raise a support case.

 

[Brawdy14]

Unlikely, you would need to contact Apple and raise a support case.

Thank you.

I've done that now. The problem involves the number of accounts with which the 'phone number has been associated. The support person was unable to tell me with which accounts my number is associated.

Has anyone here any idea how I can check?

 

[planteater]

Thank you.

I've done that now. The problem involves the number of accounts with which the 'phone number has been associated. The support person was unable to tell me with which accounts my number is associated.

Has anyone here any idea how I can check?

Is it a relatively new phone number to you?

 

[Brawdy14]

Is it a relatively new phone number to you?

No, not at all. It's been my personal 'phone number for well over ten years.
I simply don't understand why Apple would want to block it from being part of my TF procedure.
I can use my landline number instead, but that involves an actual telephone call instead of a text!