Is Two-Factor Authentication Now Mandatory on Macs with Apple ID?

[SpeQ]

I’ve got a red notification dot on my system preferences icon telling me I need to enable TFA. I don’t particularly want to turn on TFA. How can I get that little red dot to go away?

Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple ID designed to ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password.

support.apple.com

 

[mmkerc]

I do not think you can get the "red dot" to go away without activating TFA.

On a personal note I did not like the original implementation of TFA, but then being impacted by an identify theft issue I started using it. With the trusted device feature (you won't be asked for TFA) I have found it to be much more user friendly than the initial implementation.

 

[DeltaMac]

Apple continues to suggest, no, strongly recommend, a security upgrade to TFA.
I have too many computers using the same AppleID, for service/repair uses, and also a couple that are commonly used by a number of people. TFA would seriously affect my use of the AppleID, so I continue to avoid setting up TFA.
If you have ever started the TFA setup, even accidentally, then I don't think you can turn the indicator off. But, you can try to go into the AppleID settings, then Password & Security, just to see if there is any indication that it is just asking you to finish activation (and complete the TFA setup). If you see a Continue or Cancel choice, then (maybe), clicking "Cancel" at that point will remove the indicator (should remove, no surety at this point.)
And, just a final note, if you DO set up TFA, you can't go back to "no TFA" from your AppleID.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you don't want TFA (I certainly don't), don't activate it.
Learn to "ignore the red dot".

 

[mmkerc]

And, just a final note, if you DO set up TFA, you can't go back to "no TFA" from your AppleID.

I was able to turn TFA off, I had to call Apple to figure it out but I did do it. As indicated in my original reply this was when TFA first came out so it may have changed.

 

[Martyimac]

My wifes mac does not have TFA and she has an apple id. AND she has no red dot. No idea why.

 

[mmkerc]

What OS is she running? If running an older OS that maybe it. Also does she log in to the Mac under her Apple ID or under yours?

 

[Martyimac]

What OS is she running? If running an older OS that maybe it. Also does she log in to the Mac under her Apple ID or under yours?

She is running Monterey V 12.2.1, the most recent and she has, and logs in, on her own Apple ID. Now, when I set her up Apple wanted to activate 2FA but I said no because she has no other Apple products and doesn't need that extra security.

 

[mmkerc]

Well I am stumped?

 

[SpeQ]

Apple continues to suggest, no, strongly recommend, a security upgrade to TFA.
I have too many computers using the same AppleID, for service/repair uses, and also a couple that are commonly used by a number of people. TFA would seriously affect my use of the AppleID, so I continue to avoid setting up TFA.
If you have ever started the TFA setup, even accidentally, then I don't think you can turn the indicator off. But, you can try to go into the AppleID settings, then Password & Security, just to see if there is any indication that it is just asking you to finish activation (and complete the TFA setup). If you see a Continue or Cancel choice, then (maybe), clicking "Cancel" at that point will remove the indicator (should remove, no surety at this point.)
And, just a final note, if you DO set up TFA, you can't go back to "no TFA" from your AppleID.

I'm a little bit scared to go into Apple ID settings. I'm afraid I might get stuck / forced into TFA.

I was able to turn TFA off, I had to call Apple to figure it out but I did do it. As indicated in my original reply this was when TFA first came out so it may have changed.

According to the support doc I linked, you have a two week window to cancel after "enrollment".

My wifes mac does not have TFA and she has an apple id. AND she has no red dot. No idea why.

I'm running 12.2.1 as well. This notification just popped up a couple days ago. I haven't done anything to trigger it, so it may be a roll-out.

Learn to "ignore the red dot".

Learnt. I'll add it to the list of things I'm trying to ignore about the OS.

 

[SpeQ]

I just figured it out. In the system preferences panel, just below where it shows the user name, I noticed there was a line of type that said "Two-Factor Authentication", and at the opposite end of the panel was type that said "Learn more". Clicking on that opened a dialog box that explained what TFA is, and below that listed three options, one of which was "Not now". Clicking that made the dot go away.

 

[mmkerc]

Thanks for posting the solution!