Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security when logging into accounts by requiring two forms of verification. Often this is your password plus a code sent via text message. While 2FA does improve account security, some users may wish to turn it off for convenience or other reasons. Luckily the process is straightforward for most major platforms and services. In this article we’ll walk through how to disable 2FA via text message for some of the most popular apps and websites.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires two forms of identity verification when logging into an account. The first factor is usually your password. The second commonly used factor is a temporary numeric code sent to your phone via text message or generated by an authentication app. This code must be entered after your password to successfully log in.
2FA provides extra protection because a potential hacker would need access to both your password and your phone number to break into the account. Even if your password is compromised, the hacker would not be able to log in without also stealing your phone with access to your text messages or authentication app.
Why Turn Off 2FA?
While 2FA does improve security, there are some reasons you may want to disable it:
– It can be inconvenient to wait for and enter codes, especially if you access the account frequently. This may discourage regular use of the platform.
– Switching phones or phone numbers will cause issues until you update the associated number for receiving codes.
– Some users may be concerned about the privacy implications of linking their personal device to accounts.
– Relying on text messages for 2FA means potential problems if you lose cell service.
– For accounts you access from multiple devices, 2FA can sometimes glitch and lock you out.
– If you already use strong unique passwords, the minor added security of 2FA may not be worth the hassle for you.
So in summary, while 2FA does increase account security, it also introduces some inconveniences. Disabling 2FA may make sense depending on your personal threat model and convenience preferences.
How to Turn Off 2FA on Gmail
If you previously turned on 2FA for your Google/Gmail account and now want to disable it, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Google Account Security page at https://myaccount.google.com/security. Sign into your account if needed.
2. Under “Signing in to Google,” click 2-Step Verification.
3. If prompted, enter your password and 2FA code sent via text or prompt on your mobile device.
4. On the 2-Step Verification page, click Turn off.
5. Select Turn off 2-Step Verification and confirm.
You will no longer need to enter a 2FA code when signing into your Google account going forward. The convenience of accessing your Gmail is worth the minor loss in security for some users.
How to Disable 2FA on Facebook
If you previously opted to have login codes sent via text but want to disable Facebook 2FA, here are the steps:
1. Click on the down arrow in the top right and choose Settings & Privacy.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click on Security and Login in the left sidebar.
4. Choose Edit next to Use two-factor authentication.
5. Select Disable next to Text Messages.
6. Enter your Facebook password and click Continue.
Facebook will stop sending you 2FA login codes via text. You can also choose to disable codes generated through authentication apps if you have set that up.
Turning Off Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram
Here is how to stop receiving text messages for 2FA when logging into Instagram:
1. Go to your Instagram Profile.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
3. Choose Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
4. Enter your Instagram password.
5. Tap Text Message under Authentication Method.
6. Select Disable next to Text Message to stop verification codes from being sent to your phone number.
With these steps complete, you’ll be able to access Instagram without the extra step of entering the texted 2FA code during login.
Disabling 2FA Texts for Snapchat
To remove 2FA via text message for your Snapchat account, follow these instructions:
1. Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
2. Tap the gear icon to access your settings.
3. Choose Login Verification under the Account Actions section.
4. Tap Continue and enter your Snapchat password.
5. Under Mobile Number Verification, tap Delete SMS Number.
6. Confirm that you want to delete your verified SMS number.
Going forward your Snapchat account will no longer send verification codes to your phone when logging in. The slight security tradeoff may be worth no longer dealing with the 2FA code step.
Removing Text Message 2FA from Twitter
If you want to remove text message-based 2FA from your Twitter account, do the following:
1. On Twitter, click your profile icon in the top navigation bar.
2. Choose Settings and privacy from the drop-down menu.
3. Select Account > Security.
4. Disable the Two-factor authentication toggle switch.
5. Enter your account password and click Save changes.
Twitter will discontinue sending login verification codes via text. While arguably less secure, avoiding the 2FA code entry can be more convenient.
Turning Off Microsoft Account Text Message 2FA
To stop receiving text messages for Microsoft account login verification, take these steps:
1. Browse to https://account.live.com/SecurityNotifications.aspx.
2. Sign into your Microsoft account if prompted.
3. Click Add, Turn On or Manage next to Two-step verification.
4. Under Text message, click Remove.
5. Select I don’t have this phone anymore and click Remove.
Microsoft will discontinue sending 2FA text messages for accessing Outlook, OneDrive and other Microsoft services on that account.
Disabling iCloud Two-Factor Authentication
iCloud provides built-in 2FA options for your Apple ID. Here is how to disable 2FA text alerts:
1. Open the Settings app and tap your Apple ID banner.
2. Choose Password & Security.
3. Tap Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication.
4. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.
You will no longer receive verification codes over text when signing into iCloud services like Find My, Photos, Mail and more. While less secure, this can avoid login friction.
Conclusion
While two-factor authentication does provide an extra layer of login security through text message codes, it can also introduce inconveniences. Fortunately turning off 2FA via text is generally straightforward for most major platforms and apps if you decide the added security is not worth the hassle. Just visit your account’s security settings to disable and stop receiving codes over SMS. Going password-only does reduce protection against phishing attempts and password dumps. But many users decide the tradeoff is reasonable for accounts without highly sensitive personal information. Evaluate your own needs and priorities to decide if disabling 2FA text messages makes sense for your use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to turn off 2FA?
Turning off 2FA does slightly reduce your account security. However for accounts with less sensitive info, the convenience benefit may outweigh the minor security loss for many users. It’s ultimately a personal decision based on your threat model.
What if I lost my phone number associated with 2FA?
Most platforms allow you to update or remove the phone number used for 2FA text messages through your account’s security settings. You may need to contact customer support if your only 2FA method was texting that now inaccessible number.
Can I re-enable 2FA later?
Yes, you can re-enable two-factor authentication via text message in the future if you choose by revisiting your account’s security settings page. The process to turn it back on is typically straightfoward.
Is 2FA via authentication apps more secure than text?
Yes, using a third-party authenticator app for the 2FA code is generally considered more secure than SMS text messages. The app generates random codes even when offline rather than sending them over the phone network. Disabling text message 2FA but keeping app-based 2FA can provide added security without the SMS hassle.
What is the most secure 2FA method?
A hardware security key is generally considered the most secure 2FA approach. This small USB device must be physically connected to login, providing near complete phishing protection. But it’s one of the least convenient options, so is rarely used for low-security accounts.
Summary of how to turn off 2FA text messages
Here is a quick overview of how to disable 2FA text messages for popular platforms:
| Platform | Steps to Disable 2FA |
| Gmail/Google | Account Security > 2-Step Verification > Turn off |
| Settings > Security > Disable Text Messages | |
| Profile > Security > Disable Text Messages | |
| Snapchat | Settings > Login Verification > Delete SMS Number |
| Settings > Security > Disable Two-Factor | |
| Microsoft | Security Notifications > Remove text message |
| iCloud | Apple ID Settings > Turn Off Two-Factor |
While two-factor authentication does provide extra login security, the hassle of entering codes may not be worth it for lower security accounts. Luckily disabling 2FA text messages is a quick process across most major platforms. Evaluate your personal convenience vs security needs to decide if turning off 2FA makes sense for your situation.