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Not applicable
posted Jun 4, 2019 1:03:44 PM

Remove phone from two factor authentication and only have authentication app

Having the phone number as a fallback really kills the added security that an authentication app offers. I would like to remove my phone number as a backup, and instead have one time codes if I need them. Is there any way to do this? even if I don't have a backup I would rather re-create my account then have the phone number as a secondary 2FA option.

2 14 4210
14 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 1:03:46 PM

Click on My Account at the top of the program screen.  Click on Account Settings.  Click on Security.  Make any changes needed in the Security section.

Not applicable
Jun 4, 2019 1:03:47 PM

This does not help. The only option is to remove 2FA altogether and I do not want to do that. I would like to remove only my phone as an option, and leave the authentication app in place.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 1:03:48 PM

Apparently not.  You must have a phone number for the 2 step verification.
See this TurboTax support FAQ - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2902682-what-is-two-step-verification">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2902682-what-is-two-step-verification</a>

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 1:03:50 PM

Not a good idea but you could enter a fake number but that only leaves you with one valid option.

Not applicable
Jun 4, 2019 1:03:51 PM

Phone numbers must be verified by text or voice call, so not really an option

New Member
Mar 13, 2022 1:32:36 PM

This is hilariously bad. Intuit is obviously just requiring phone numbers so they can scrape information from people instead of giving them actual TOTP or Yubikey / Google Titan based MFA.

Cool way to ruin your MFA Intuit! Fix this dumbass garbage!

Level 5
Apr 16, 2023 9:58:27 AM

The OP is correct.

 

There SHOULD be a way of having the option to ONLY use an Authenticator app for 2FA.

 

SMS 2FA is outdated and NOT secure.

Level 15
Apr 17, 2023 1:14:42 PM

@crash345u  You are posting on a old post that has already been answered.  No need for that. 

Level 5
Apr 17, 2023 1:27:27 PM

How do we request TT correct the security flaw?

The post may have been answered but the problem has not been resolved.

Level 15
Apr 17, 2023 1:36:45 PM

@crash345u  How do you know its still a problem?  If you are having a problem post your own question so someone can help you or give you the information you need.  Jumping on old posts can get ignored.

New Member
Jan 18, 2025 11:20:35 AM

is there an update to this? doesn't seem to be resolved. I can't find a way to remove phone number from 2fa even though I've added auth app. google and intuit search leads you straight to this thread, so would be good to add updated information

Expert Alumni
Jan 21, 2025 7:50:21 AM

Please explain what you are specifically trying to do.

New Member
Jan 21, 2025 8:52:42 AM

I specifically trying to do exactly what is described in this thread. therefore I posted in this thread instead of repeating the same question in new thread. not sure what I could add:

Having the phone number as a fallback really kills the added security that an authentication app offers. I would like to remove my phone number as a backup, and instead have one time codes if I need them. Is there any way to do this? 

After recent cyber attacks on telecommunication even FBI warned to stop using SMS. As others have already pointed out in this thread you can only increase security if phone number is removed from 2FA in favor of authenticator app.

Expert Alumni
Jan 23, 2025 9:35:48 AM

We can't help you with this in the community.

 

Please call TurboTax Customer service.  Here is a link:  Turbo Tax Customer Service