iCloud Recovery Key

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Level 1

8 points

iCloud Recovery Key

So I recently found my iPod 3rd gen, currently running iOS 5.1.1 and I'm unable to complete a backup via iTunes due to some error, it says this device is not recognised or something, I read online that the solution to this is reset all content and settings, since its similar to a factory reset I don't want to lose my apps on that iPod, so I went into settings and tried an iCloud Backup, I entered my password and proceeded and it asked me for a Recovery Key. I searched literally everywhere and I could not find this. I'm not sure but maybe the Recovery Key was part of "Two step verification"? I'm using "two factor verification" and there seems to be no way to go back. How on earth do I get my Recovery Key?

Posted on May 23, 2019 11:10 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Michael Black

Level 10

80,430 points

May 23, 2019 12:07 PM in response to Nom2

If you switched from two step verification to the newer 2 factor authentication, then your AppleID was already unenrolled in the older system and the 14 digit recovery key has nothing to do with your AppleID anymore.

What you need is a 2 factor authentication code sent to one of your other trusted devices or your trusted backup SMS or voice telephone number. You would then enter that 6 digit code at the end of your AppleID password.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

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Answer 2

rcosta887

Level 4

3,604 points

May 23, 2019 11:35 AM in response to Nom2

Since you no longer have the old Two-Step verification I am not sure if you can replace your old Recovery Key. First, I would try this:

Go to https://appleid.apple.com

Sign in with your password and trusted device.

In the Security section, click Edit > Replace Lost Key.

If you can't sign in with two-step verification using your Apple ID - Apple Support

Since I strongly suspect that won't work I wonder if iTunes on an old mac running Mac OS Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8) would be able to make an iTunes backup successfully versus a newer version of iTunes/macOS?

If you have an older Mac that originally came with 10.7 or 10.8, and are really motivated to try this yourself if you don't know anyone with such an older Mac, you could certainly boot into Internet Recovery Mode and install this older Mac on an external hard drive (not touching your more modern macOS on the built-in hard drive) and install it there...all for the sake of seeing if this would work.

You could also contact Apple support to see if they have any options for dealing with regenerating an old two-step Recovery Key after you've upgraded that account to two-factor.

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