Every month or two I go through a couple of days where my AppleID gets locked repeatedly. I easily get it unlocked each time, but getting locked/logged out causes irritating issues with iMessage getting out of sync between my devices that I only notice when I don't see certain messages on certain devices.

Wondering if the locks are being caused by failed logins (hack attempts). If I relent and turn on Apple's 2FA for this account, wondering if that will put an end to the locks (or at least greatly reduce).

Believe me, I understand the value of 2FA, and have it enabled on some of my accounts. The Apple implementation has given me pause, since I don't always have a second factor with me when I'm on the road and I don't want to end up with an inoperable device at an inopportune time.

Any thoughts?

I take a hard line on this one - set up 2FA. Yes, apple has had some trouble with their implementation but it works just fine the vast majority of the time.

Then see if you have trouble getting locked out.

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FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT DO 2FA.

2fa FTW!

And never update. And never upgrade. And never go outside.

I did it eventually after some initial frustration. IIRC I had to do it in order to use my Apple card. Not a big deal and I have not yet been locked out of my account.

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My life goes smoothly and in regular intervals