How do I stop the site from prompting me to enter a cell phone number for "added security" without entering a number?

Hello there, landsidel-allen.

We’ll need to input a phone number so QuickBooks will stop asking you this information. The added security is also a way to help you recover your account in case you’ll be locked out. Security codes will be sent using the phone number you entered.

When you’ve entered your phone number, QuickBooks will now ask for confirmation codes every time you log in. This disables the usual multi-factor authentication process that gives you the option for voice call, text, or email. 

You might want to manage your Sign in and Security information in QuickBooks. You can go to the gear icon an click Intuit Account. 

Let me know if there's anything else you need. 

Catherine,

I am not going to enter a phone number.  Can I get it to stop asking for one?

Hello, landsidel-allen.

Welcome to the Community.

The account of our users is our top priority. Adding your phone number is an extra protection to secure your account. This helps ensure that no users can access your data and make unauthorized changes. 

However, you can get to opt-out for this verification by disabling two-step authentication. To do so, please follow the steps below:

1. Log in to the Intuit Online Account management portal.
2. Navigate to the Security tab. 
3. Select Turn Off to expand the Two-step verification section.
4. Enter the one-time passcode you received and select Continue.

Once done, you'll be asked only to verify your account every time you log in from a new device (PC or mobile), or a new browser, or even resetting your current browser's cached data. 

Here's an article for more instructions of disabling the two--step verification: How do I enable or disable the opt-in two-step verification?. 

If you need anything else, please post a comment in Community. We are here to back you up. Have a good one!

Shally, I cannot follow your instructions because at step 2, the only option available is "Turn on."

Yet whenever I log on to QB Self-employed, I am immediately spammed with a modal popup telling me to enter my phone number.

I can further assist you in disabling this two-step verification, @landsidel-allen. 

When you go to the Intuit Online Account management portal, go to the Sign In & Security part and go to the Two-step verification.

You just have to click the Edit icon to expand the page. Below the Enable verification part, click the Turn Off button. Then, enter the verification code sent to your phone number.

Here’s a screenshot: 

I'm always here if you need further assistance in turning off this option by leaving a comment below. Have a wonderful day!

That you are forcing me to give you a cellphone number is obnoxious to begin with. Worse, the system doesn't work. I try to enter my cellphone number (I'm a US citizen working in Ecuador). The system won't let me enter Ecuador at first. If I enter my password and an invalid US number, then the system allows me to scroll down further and see Ecuador as a country code so I can enter my cellphone number.

Reluctantly, I enter my number and the system announces it has sent me a message. But it never arrives no matter how many times I try.

I wasted several hours entering data into your system, and now it fights with me every time I try to use it. This is really pathetic.

FWIW, I tried the procedures list above and finally got the message that you don't send text messages to Ecuador. So how the heck am I supposed to use your product?

I appreciate you for performing the steps provided by my colleagues, customer. 

I'd suggest getting in touch with us so our phone support team can look into your account and will walk you through on how to turn the option off. I can see that we're not logged in to your QBSE account. You can use our test drive to contact us. 

Here's how: 

1. Click this test drive link: https://selfemployed.intuit.com/home#/app/home
2. Select Assistant from the top menu.
3. Enter or say “Talk to a human.”
4. Choose a way to connect with us:
   • Post a question and get answers from tax specialists and other customers like you.
   • Start a chat with a support expert.
   • Get a callback from the next available expert.

Feel free to gt back to us if you need more help. Take care always!

I am also trying to disable the 2-step verification but i do not see an option to turn off or "edit".  I only see turn on and set up.  

I'm glad to have you here in the Community, Tilley.

I'd suggest getting in touch with us so our phone support team they have the tools to pull up your account needed for investigating the cause of the issue. They can also walk you through the steps to turn off the option and help you troubleshoot. 

You can visit this article to find out what computer and browser you need for the best experience when using QuickBooks: System requirements for QuickBooks Online, Accountant, Payroll, and QuickBooks Self-Employed.

Keep in touch with me here in the Community. I'll be around to help you. Stay safe!