Two factor authentification Big problem

That is a great question, about 2-Factor authentication, greendaisy. 

According to the information that we have the "Keep me signed in" option is still there, but with 2-Factor Authentication, it is not compatible and the cookie on the browser is done with 2-Factor Authentication and not with the "Keep me signed in." 

There is a workaround if you do not want to use the 2-Factor Authentication. That workaround is by using a Secure Mail Key and an email client, such as Outlook. Here is how you create the secure mail key: 

1. Go to your myAT&T Profile. Sign in, if asked.
2. Scroll to My linked accounts, select the email account that needs a secure mail key.
3. Scroll to Secure mail key, select Manage secure mail key.
4. Choose the email address that you’d like to use, if you have more than one.
5. Select Add secure mail key. Enter a nickname for the secure mail key to make it easy to recognize.
6. Choose Create secure mail key.
7. Select Copy secure mail key to clipboard. Make a note of your secure mail key  for further updates.
   • For security purposes, the secure mail key only displays until you select OK. 
   • If you lose or forget the secure mail key, you can always create new secure mail keys.
8. Select OK.

Here is how to set-up the email client: 

1. Open Outlook, select File, then Add Account.
2. Choose Manual setup or additional server types.
3. Select IMAP.
4. Fill in your user details.
   • Enter your name as you want it to display to others.
   • Enter your full AT&T mail address.
5. Enter the server information.
   • Account Type - Select IMAP
   • Incoming mail server - Enter imap.mail.att.net (IMAP) 
   • Outgoing mail server - Enter smtp.mail.att.net (IMAP) 
6. Fill out the logon information:
   • User Name - Enter your full email address.
   • Password - Enter or paste your secure mail key.
   • Check Remember password and Require logon using Secure Password Authentication.
7. Select More Settings.
8. Complete Outgoing Server info.
   • Check My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication.
   • Select Use same settings as my incoming mail server.
9. Complete Advanced info.
   • Incoming server - Enter 993 (IMAP) 
   • Use the following type of encrypted connection - Choose SSL.
   • Outgoing server - Enter 465 (IMAP).
   • Use the following type of encrypted connection - Choose SSL.
10. Select OK and then Next. Outlook will test your account info. If everything passes, select Finish.

In conclusion, the 2-Factor Authentication is used for the web based email and password. The secure mail key as previously mention is like a password, but it cannot be reset, but created and deleted and created again. 

Let us know that works for you. 

Matthew, AT&T Community Specialist

We don't want our authentication process to interfere with your work, @greendaisy. 

2-factor authentication is a new process that adds more layers of security for your account. This is a mandatory process and cannot be bypassed. 

If you have any other questions, please let us know. Thank you for contacting AT&T Community Forums. 

Raiden, AT&T Community Specialist 

Thank you for responding. For clarification,  are you saying that the only way to access my e-mail is by receiving a code sent to my phone ?

The option to remain logged in is no longer available?

Thanks

I don't have a cell phone.  Can you just mail me a letter with the code?  Limiting my email to a once a week event is a small price to pay to comply with your mandatory process.  After all, you are AT&T and I am just an annoying itsy-bitsy customer who somehow managed to to survive for 15 years with just an ID and password. 

This forcing of two factor authentication upon ALL email users is poorly thought out.  I, and many other users, do not want two factor authentication for email.   AT&T please rethink this silly policy.

We're here to assist with your email inquiry, @IMPerturbed!

Since you do not have a cell phone of any kind, we do have a workaround for this. You will need to enter 111-111-1111 to bypass the mobile number portion of verification.

Give this a try and let us know the results!

CalebP, AT&T Community Specialist 

Sounds like you're more interested in harvesting everyone's cell phone numbers than adding more layers of security.

"No matter how cynical I get, I just can't keep up." (Nora Ephron)

I would like a straight forward  answer from some person at at&t why they offer the option "don't  ask me again on this device" when submitting a

2fa code and then do not honor the request.

Thanks for reaching out to us, and we'd be happy to help with your 2-Factor Authentication question @arjay076. 

To get started, we'd recommend clearing the cache and cookies off the device that you're using. There could be saved data that is making it to where you have to use 2-Factor Authentication even after choosing "don't ask me again on this device". 

Also, if you experience this while on a computer and using a web browser then we'd suggest trying to use a separate web browser. This can assist in making sure you're signed in to your account, and not have to go through the 2-Factor Authentication process. 

Let us know if this helps. 

Robert, AT&T Community Specialist

I will try what you suggest, however i did not have to go this route to get  the ok from four major financial institutions.  Does at&t have a security system that is unique from the rest of the world?

I have a desktop windows 11 pc with an Edge browser.  I cannot comprehend the néed to change browsers to accommodate your system.