Account Recovery thoroughly explained

by: k_p95

Last modified: Dec 10, 2025 2:03 AM

17 8736 Last modified Dec 10, 2025 2:03 AM

Need help accessing your account? This User Tip explains how to:

Resolve password and sign-in issues
Understand and manage two-factor authentication
Navigate the account recovery process
Secure your account after recovery

What is Account Recovery?

Account Recovery is a process designed to get you back into your Apple Account when you don’t have enough information to reset your password. Account recovery is the final option that you can use to regain access to your account, and this option should only be used when all other attempts* have failed. The reason this is considered the final option to use is due to the timeframe it can take for the recovery process to complete.

IMPORTANT: This means that setting up account recovery will not result with you being able to regain access to your account immediately; but rather, you will be given a timeframe* of when you will be able to regain access, based on the account information you were able to successfully confirm upon setting the recovery up.

*All other attempts: Follow all the steps in If you forgot your Apple Account password and confirm they were unsuccessful before starting account recovery.

*Estimated timeframe: The estimated timeframe required until you're able to regain access to your account will vary. Technically, you determine the timeframe you will have to wait, and this is done based on how much of your own account information you can successfully confirm when setting up account recovery.

This means that the more information you have available to verify your identity, the quicker you will be able to regain access to your account.

For example, someone who is able to confirm the verification code sent to their trusted phone number and the primary payment on file with their account will regain access faster than someone who couldn’t confirm but one piece of account information, such as a verification code sent their Apple Account email address.

Examples of account information

The current trusted phone number associated to the account
The Apple Account email address
Primary payment method on file with the account
Access to a trusted device
Device passcode

The importance of your Apple Account

Your Apple Account is the personal account you use to access Apple services like the App Store, iCloud, Messages, the Apple Online Store, FaceTime, and more. It includes the email address and password you use to sign in, as well as the contact, payment, and security details you use across Apple services. This information can be used to verify your identity and recover your account when needed. Every Apple feature or service* will be associated to your Apple Account, so it's important to maintain access.

It’s also important to remember that access to your account will be limited while in account recovery. This means that you will not be able to access certain services that require you to be fully signed into iCloud settings.

*Features or services: One example of this would be Apple Pay (including Apple Cash and Apple Card). To access Apple Pay cards, passes, IDs, etc in Wallet you must be fully signed into iCloud settings. When you sign out of iCloud settings, all associated cards in Wallet are removed from the device. If you are signed in, but only partially* signed in to iCloud settings, your cards will still appear in Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay, but you will be prompted to enter your password.

*Partially signed in to iCloud: This happens when you go to Settings > Your Name > Sign in & Security and you are prompted to enter your password to continue. You are signed in, but not fully signed in.

This is exactly the same scenario as when you change your Apple Account password in Settings and select the option to “Sign out of other devices” and then you have to enter the new password again on those other devices to continue using your account.

About two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your account designed to ensure that you’re the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. It protects your account by requiring a password and access to either a trusted device or a verification code delivered via SMS or phone call to your trusted phone number.

Requiring more than just your password to access your account improves the security of your account and all personal information you store with Apple. Only accounts that use two-factor authentication can set up account recovery.

If you created your account on a device with iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, macOS 10.15.4, or later, your account automatically uses two-factor authentication. If you aren't sure if you use two-factor authentication, and you forgot your password, go to iforgot.apple.com. After entering your Apple Account email address, if you aren't prompted to confirm your trusted phone number, then you aren't using two-factor authentication. This post will not help you recover your account. Use If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions instead.

For additional information on two-factor authentication, use these articles:

Who is eligible to use account recovery?

This option is only available to accounts that use two-factor authentication, do not have a recovery key set up, and do not have Advanced Data Protection enabled.

Account recovery is typically used in the following common scenarios:

No access to trusted phone number or changed number
No access to passcode-protected trusted device(s); this includes offline, lost, stolen, damaged, and/or defective devices
Forgotten Apple Account password

Important to Remember

Whenever possible, set up account recovery on the affected device. If that’s not possible, use the Apple Support app on a family member’s iOS or iPadOS device, or visit an Apple Store.
If you start account recovery from a trusted device, you can continue using that device, but turn off all other trusted devices until recovery is complete. If account recovery keeps canceling, other devices may still have the password saved*.
Setting up account recovery doesn’t stop you from using your account, but access will be limited if you aren’t fully signed in to iCloud settings.

*This means you might already have another trusted device signed into your account that you use or previously used. If that’s the case, then it can usually be used to reset your password. Account recovery would automatically cancel because technically there’s no reason for it to be set it up in the first place — because you still have access to a trusted device. This is why it is important to review the devices associated to your account and remove any devices you no longer have or use.

Path to account recovery

Below are the steps to take leading up to setting up account recovery. Reference and follow these steps, in order, before setting up account recovery.

TIP: If it helps, use the steps as a checklist based on your specific situation. For example, if you do not have a trusted device, cross it off the list and move to the next option you have available to regain access to your account.

Account recovery will always be the last option in the checklist, never the first:

[x] Use a trusted device.

[x] Receive a verification code sent to a trusted phone number.

[x] Consult account recovery contact(s) for a recovery code.

[x] Set up account recovery.

Use a trusted device

A trusted device is an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac that you've already signed into iCloud Settings with. It's a device that Apple knows is yours and that can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in on a different device or browser.

To reset your password:

On iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch:

Go to Settings.
Tap on your Name at the top.
Tap on Sign in & Security.
Tap on Change Password.
You will have to enter your device passcode first in order to change your Apple Account password.

On Mac:

Open System Settings from the Dock, Applications, or by clicking on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your desktop.
Click on your Name.
Click on Sign in & Security.
Click on Change Password.
Enter your Mac login password first in order to change your Apple Account password.

You can also use iforgot.apple.com to send password reset instructions to all your trusted devices. Note that these devices must be passcode protected to use this option.

Use your trusted phone number

If you don't have access to a trusted device, use your trusted phone number instead. A trusted phone number is a number that can be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in two-factor authentication.

There are two ways you can reset your password by using your trusted phone number:

Apple Support app

Use the Apple Support app on another iOS or iPadOS device.

Open the Support app.
Tap on Reset Password.
Tap on Help Someone Else.
Enter your Apple Account email address.
Confirm the trusted phone number and receive a verification code sent to it to change your password.

Note: This means you can use someone else's device to complete these steps. It will not affect their own account or device information. Reach out to a friend, family member, or go to the Apple Store if you can’t get to another device.

iOS Setup Assistant

If you are setting up a new or replacement device and you have access to a trusted phone number, you can receive a verification code in the iOS Setup Assistant when you are prompted to sign in with your account information.

IMPORTANT: Note that this device must have activated cellular service already. If it hasn’t and you’re using an eSIM, contact your carrier first to set up the eSIM.

If you still haven’t spoken with your carrier to provision your eSIM or if your carrier doesn’t offer options for setting up an eSIM on the setup assistant, you will have to complete the setup assistant without signing in to your Apple Account, make sure cellular is set up, and then erase all content and settings to restart on the setup assistant and try this option. Doing this is only recommended if you insist on restoring from an iCloud Backup. Make sure to select the option of keeping the eSIM upon selecting ‘Erase all Content and Settings.’

When you turn on your iPhone for the first time, you will see a “Hello” screen in various languages. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Select your language and region.
Connect to a Wi-fi network.
When asked how you want to set up your iPhone, choose “Set up Manually” or “Set up without another device”.
When you get to the Transfer Apps & Data screen, select “Don’t Transfer Anything” or “Don’t transfer apps and data.” The wording varies based on the iOS version you are using.
When you are prompted to sign in with your Apple Account, tap “Don’t have an account/Forgot Password?”.
Tap on “Set up Later in Settings”. Confirm once more that you don’t want to sign in with your account.
Complete the setup assistant as normal. If you are prompted to set up any features, such as Apple Intelligence, Siri, Face ID, or a passcode; you can choose to “Set up Later”. There’s no point in setting up or enabling any feature right now (aside from Location Services) because you’ll be erasing your phone after you have your eSIM set up, and any features you enable will have to be set up again later.
Once you make it to your Home Screen, follow the instructions provided by your carrier to activate and set up your eSIM.
Once your eSIM is activated, go to Settings then tap on General. Scroll to the bottom and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone. Select Erase all content and Settings and then tap Continue.
Select the option to keep your eSIM. Your phone will then restart on the setup assistant again.
You can now set your iPhone up exactly how you want it, and also receive the two-factor verification code to sign in.
When you are prompted to sign in with your Apple Account, tap on “Don’t have an account/Forgot Password?”. Then tap on Forgot Password.
You will be asked to confirm your trusted phone number, and then you should be able to receive a verification code sent to it to reset your password and continue signing in.

If you aren’t restoring from an iCloud backup, and/or your carrier already provisioned your eSIM for you:

Follow the onscreen prompts that guide you through setting up your iPhone.
When prompted to sign in with your Apple Account, select “Forgot Password/Don’t have an account?” and then tap on Forgot Password.
You will then be prompted to confirm your trusted phone number on file to get a verification code sent to it to reset your password.

Additional Considerations

If you still have access to the trusted phone number, but the issue lies with the device or if you have a replacement physical SIM card with your same number but do not have access to a trusted device; put your SIM card in another device. You can then have a verification code sent to your phone number to reset your password in Settings or from the Support app. This may seem like a hassle, but usually account recovery can be avoided with doing so.

It does not have to be an Apple device.
It does have to be a cellular device. Meaning, if you have a cellular iPad and you insert the SIM card in the iPad, this will not work and you will not receive the verification code. Although the iPad is a cellular model, the cellular functions on iPad are used for cellular data access only. iPad does not have a Phone app (at this time) and cannot make or receive cellular calls/messages.
Make sure to have someone send you an SMS message to verify your phone number/cellular service has no issues prior to attempting to send the verification code.
Please note that if the device you are trying to do this with is eSIM compatible only, you cannot use this option. There is no physical SIM card to remove or insert on these devices.

IMPORTANT: Note that two-factor verification codes are always sent to the trusted device by default. To send a code to the trusted phone number, you will have to select 'Didn’t receive verification code?' > ‘text me’ or 'Cant get to any of your devices' > 'text me'.

If your device has been lost or stolen, and you are unable to sign into your Apple Account to locate the device and/or put it in Lost Mode because you can’t receive the two-factor verification code, go to iCloud.com/find. After entering the Apple Account email and password, click the find iPhone button to continue signing in without having to enter a verification code. Please note that if you do not know your password, you cannot use this option.

Account Recovery Contacts

Account Recovery Contacts are available on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They are considered the last option to use before setting up account recovery.

The purpose of a recovery contact is to help you verify your identity and regain access to your account and all of your data if you ever get locked out. This is done by having the recovery contact generate a six-digit verification code “recovery code” to provide to you as an additional verification option.

IMPORTANT: Setting up a recovery contact isn’t required, but it can make regaining access to your account and data easier. This means not everyone will have a recovery contact set up. If that is the case, proceed with account recovery as normal.

Requirements

Anyone that meets these requirements can be considered for an Account Recovery Contact.

Everyone involved must have an Apple Account.
All devices signed into iCloud Settings should be updated to latest OS.
All Apple Accounts must use two-factor authentication.
All devices being used to send and receive Recovery Contact requests must have iMessage enabled.
Everyone must be over the age of 13.

How to provide the verification code to someone

Go to Settings, then select your name.
Select Sign in & Security > Recovery Contact.
Select your contact's name.
Select Get Recovery Code.
When your friend is ready, read them their recovery code. After they enter it on their device, they'll be able to reset their password and regain access.

Summary

Below is a recap of the order of steps to take to regain access to your account prior to setting up account recovery:

Reset your password or change trusted phone number from Settings on a trusted device that is passcode protected and fully signed into iCloud settings.
Use the Apple Support app or iCloud Settings to receive a verification code sent to the trusted phone number on file in order to reset your password.
Reach out to your Account Recovery contacts.
Set up account recovery.

Here are the same steps, explained more thoroughly if needed:

Signed into iCloud Settings: If you are signed into iCloud Settings already on that device, or another device, and the devices are passcode protected, you can reset your password in your Settings. Settings > Name > Sign in & Security > Change Password.

Note: If you click on Settings > Name and it prompts you to enter your Apple Account password, you are not fully signed into iCloud Settings and cannot use this option.

Not signed into iCloud Settings, and same trusted phone number: If you are not currently signed into iCloud Settings but you have the same trusted phone number, you can use the Support app to reset your password. You can get a friend or family member to download the Support app on their device. You will then reset your password by confirming a six-digit verification code sent to the trusted phone number.

Not signed into iCloud Settings, and different trusted phone number: If you are not currently signed into iCloud Settings, you no longer have access to your trusted phone number or you have recently changed your number, you will need to set up account recovery in order to regain access to your account. This can be done at iforgot.apple.com. Please note, In order to start account recovery, you must be able to confirm the trusted phone number currently associated to the account, even if you no longer have or use that number. If you can't confirm or remember the number, you can't set up account recovery.

Not signed into iCloud Settings, different trusted phone number, and can't confirm the original phone number: You will not be able to regain access to this account. I would suggest creating a new Apple Account or attempting to confirm the trusted phone number to set up account recovery.

Setting up Account Recovery

Setting up Account Recovery through device settings and/or the Support app is self-explanatory. These are the steps to successfully set up Account Recovery using iforgot.apple.com.

It is important to note that the order of which you are asked to verify account information is irrelevant, and also varies. Instead, focus on the correct options you must select to start the account recovery. These are usually listed at the bottom as a blue hyperlink when you are asked to confirm your account information.

Examples include:

“Can’t use this number?”
"Can't get to any of your devices?"
“No longer use this card?”
“Continue Anyways?”
“Can’t use any of these options?”

Below you will find example screenshots of the account recovery process being set up using iforgot.apple.com to reference.

Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter the affected Apple Account email address.
You will then be prompted to confirm the trusted phone number on file, and will only see the last two digits of the phone number, as a hint. Confirm the phone number.
You will then be presented with several different options on how to regain access to your account. These are all the options we just covered in the last section. (using a trusted device, the Support app, and verification code sent to phone number) At the bottom of the page in blue, select ‘Can’t use any of these options?’.
On the next page, at the very bottom, select ‘Continue Anyways’. This page briefly warns you about the estimated recovery timeframe to regain access being longer.
You are then asked for a verification code to be sent to your trusted phone number. Select “Don’t have access to this number?” if you don't have access to your trusted phone number. Before account recovery is successfully set up, you will be asked for a new phone number and will have to enter a verification code that is sent to it. This then becomes the phone number associated to the account recovery request.
Now you will be prompted to enter the verification code sent to your Apple Account email address. Enter the code, or select “Can’t use this email address?” If your Apple Account email address ends in @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com you will not be able to receive this verification code.
Next, if applicable, confirm the primary payment information on file with your account, or select “Don’t have access to this card?" If the card is no longer valid, has expired, has been reissued, or is being pulled from Apple Pay, then you cannot use this option. This means that even if you still have the card or know the card information, but it is no longer a valid card, just select that you don't have access to the card.

You will then see one of the two messages:

“Thank you. We’ll send you an update soon. We are evaluating your information to determine when you will be able to reset your password.”

This confirms account recovery has been set up successfully. You will receive an update via email within 72 hrs from iforgot.apple.com that will let you know when you can regain access to your account.

"Since you could not complete the previous steps, your password can't be reset at this time."

This means you couldn’t confirm any piece of account information required to set up account recovery. You will be unable to regain access to this account. If you are able to confirm your account information at a later time, then try to set up account recovery later.

Status Updates

Apple sends status updates by default to the primary Apple Account email address. After you request account recovery, you get an email with a confirmation of your request and the date and time of when you can expect to regain access. This email arrives within 72 hours.

Note: If your Apple Account ends in @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com, you will not be able to receive these emails. This also applies to you if you don’t have access to your third-party email address and chose the option “Can’t use this email” when you set up account recovery. You will have to manually check the status of the recovery on iforgot.apple.com.

For any and all issues with receiving status updates, don’t waste time speculating on why you did not receive the automated text/call or email. Apple can’t resend it. You can check the recovery status at iforgot.apple.com at any time, and use the website to recover your account. The status update notifications just refer you back to the website.

Check Recovery Status

Use these steps to check the recovery status for your account, regardless if you received the status updates or not:

After account recovery is set up, wait 24 hrs, then go to iforgot.apple.com. To check the recovery status, select Reset Password > enter your Apple Account email address again, and confirm the phone number if needed.
You will then see the current recovery status, which should tell you how long you have to wait before you can recover your account. As an example, you should see something similar to this: “You will be able to reset your password in 5 days.”
After you check the recovery status and know how long you have to wait to reset your password, you will simply wait the timeframe it provided, as there is nothing that can be done to shorten the process.
When the account is ready to be recovered, go back to the website iforgot.apple.com and repeat the first step to check the recovery status.

Completing Account Recovery

When the account is ready to be recovered, you should receive an SMS or automated call to the trusted or recovery phone number. The SMS or automated call has instructions and directs you to iforgot.apple.com or apple.com/recover. Once you go back to the website, you then receive an SMS or automated call with a recovery code that is necessary to complete the process.

This means that once the account is ready to be recovered, perform the following steps:

Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter the Apple Account email address.
Confirm the phone number again.
Apple then sends a recovery code via SMS message or phone call. It’s a standard, six-digit verification code.
Enter the verification code in the field provided and click Continue.
When you correctly enter the code, you can choose a new password, verify the trusted number, and sign in normally.

Note: if you no longer have access to the phone number that you used to start account recovery, you will have to start the account recovery process again from the beginning. Make sure you enter a phone number that you know you will have access to for at least 30 days to avoid having to repeatedly start the process over.

Hope this helps!

Account Recovery thoroughly explained

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