by Plenty of great questions slip through Mac 911’s mail slot, but the reply to some of them is so brief that they don’t merit a full-page entry. From time to time I issue a burst of answers to these very questions. Today is one of those days. Follow along as I address phone-less two-factor authentication, HipChat interface issues, iTunes’ “other” entry, and exported iPhoto metadata.
Two-factor authentication without an iPhone
After the celebrity photo scandal I’m more concerned about security. I understand that using two-factor authentication can make my data a bit more secure, but I don’t have an iPhone. Do I need one?
Initially you do need a device that can receive SMS messages. When you first set up two-factor authentication you’re required to provide Apple with a phone number for a device that can receive SMS messages. This becomes the first of possibly other verified devices. You can then add other devices tied to your Apple ID—an iPad or iPod touch, for example. The first device you entered will receive verification codes via SMS. Added devices will receive verification codes via Find My iPhones/iPad/iPod push notifications.
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