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Apple ID Account Recovery without Trusted Phone Number

I made the mistake of changing a phone number on our family plan before I removed the passcode from the phone. When I acted like I wanted to remove the passcode, it is forcing me to put in the icloud password from the account the phone is attached to. I cannot remember the password and it won't let me change it unless I have access to the (previous) phone number or the icloud email itself!! It's a vicious cycle!!

Any ideas?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 7, iOS 13

Posted on Feb 4, 2021 8:05 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 4, 2021 8:40 AM

I appreciate the help but I already did that (what is mentioned in the gif). It all comes back to needing the password for the icloud email address that I don't even remember setting up. Or having access to a phone number that is no longer in service:


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2 replies

Feb 4, 2021 8:07 AM in response to tholmes8

If you can't unlock your Apple ID

If you use security questions with your Apple ID, or if you don't have access to a trusted device or phone number, go to iforgot.apple.com. Then you can unlock your account with your existing password or reset your password.


Watch this GIF



What if I can't access a trusted device or didn't receive a verification code?

If you're signing in and don’t have a trusted device handy that can display verification codes, you can have a code sent to your trusted phone number via text message or an automated phone call instead. Click Didn't Get a Code on the sign in screen and choose to send a code to your trusted phone number. You can also get a code directly from Settings on a trusted device. Learn how to get a verification code.

If you use iOS 11.3 or later on your iPhone, you might not need to enter a verification code. In some cases, your trusted phone number can be automatically verified in the background on your iPhone. It’s one less thing to do, and your account is still protected with two-factor authentication.


If I can't sign in, how do I regain access to my account?

If you can’t sign in, access a trusted device, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. Account recovery is an automatic process designed to get you back in to your account as quickly as possible while denying access to anyone who might be pretending to be you. It might take a few days—or longer—depending on what specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.


Do I still need to remember any security questions?

No. With two-factor authentication, you don't need to remember any security questions. We verify your identity exclusively using your password and verification codes sent to your trusted devices and phone numbers. When you enroll in two-factor authentication, we keep your old security questions on file for two weeks in case you need to return your account to its previous security settings. After that, they're deleted.


Can Apple Support help me regain access to my account?

Apple Support can answer your questions about the account recovery process, but can't verify your identity or expedite the process in any way.

Apple ID Account Recovery without Trusted Phone Number

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