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Trying to reset my old phone but I don’t know the Apple ID password and don’t have access to the number.

Hey, basically what the title says. I’m trying to reset my old phone so I can sell it, but I can’t sign out of the apple ID because I’ve totally forgotton the password and I no longer have access to the number I used to sign up with. Is there anything I can do?

iPhone 8

Posted on Apr 10, 2023 10:04 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 10, 2023 11:56 AM

While their online support article says for forgotten password, account recovery steps are also for a new phone number if you can’t sign in to update the number.  See "To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers" at  Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support and How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support


When going thru the account recovery steps  you need to first enter in that old number to show you know it. Then when you get to the step where it says it sent a code to that old number select the option most like “didn’t get code” and it will let you continue with your current number.


Always scroll down for additional options in small blue print if the  ones showing don’t apply to/work for you.


When starting the account recovery steps the credit card is an extra option and not required. (See prior tip)


Account recovery is a two phase process once started. Phase 1 is the evaluation period, usually 24-72 hours but can be longer or shorter. This phase says Apple is evaluating your info and you’ll get an update after the posted time is over (people mistakenly think it means they’ll be able to reset the password immediately after this first phase.)


Once phase 1 is done it enters phase 2 where https://iforgot.apple.com/ will give you the final amount of days (can be weeks) you’ll wait. On that final day you’ll get a text, follow that text/email immediately.


1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 10, 2023 11:56 AM in response to elxstar

While their online support article says for forgotten password, account recovery steps are also for a new phone number if you can’t sign in to update the number.  See "To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers" at  Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support and How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support


When going thru the account recovery steps  you need to first enter in that old number to show you know it. Then when you get to the step where it says it sent a code to that old number select the option most like “didn’t get code” and it will let you continue with your current number.


Always scroll down for additional options in small blue print if the  ones showing don’t apply to/work for you.


When starting the account recovery steps the credit card is an extra option and not required. (See prior tip)


Account recovery is a two phase process once started. Phase 1 is the evaluation period, usually 24-72 hours but can be longer or shorter. This phase says Apple is evaluating your info and you’ll get an update after the posted time is over (people mistakenly think it means they’ll be able to reset the password immediately after this first phase.)


Once phase 1 is done it enters phase 2 where https://iforgot.apple.com/ will give you the final amount of days (can be weeks) you’ll wait. On that final day you’ll get a text, follow that text/email immediately.


Trying to reset my old phone but I don’t know the Apple ID password and don’t have access to the number.

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