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Two-factor authentication scenario I've not seen answered

My nightmare scenario is I'm traveling with only my iPhone and it gets lost (say overboard on a ship).

How can I get a new iPhone associated with my two-factor-protected apple id before I get home?

Presumably I no longer have a phone number (on a trusted device) I can use.

Could I use an email reader on an untrusted device to get a code sent to a recovery email address, say using gmail? My gmail account has a different password, so that's sort of two-factors...



iPhone 14

Posted on May 30, 2023 6:57 AM

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Posted on May 30, 2023 7:11 AM

If you can still sign into your account on another device (such as a computer also with you on the trip) you can investigate adding more ways to get a code such as multiple telephone numbers where you can receive a text or a phone call. This is from the section "About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices" in the article: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers use one of these methods:

● On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Next to Trusted Phone Number, tap Edit.

● On a Mac computer choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Password & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.

● Using a web browser: Go to the Account Security section of https://appleid.apple.com .


Similar information for the iPhone can be found here --> Manage two-factor authentication for your Apple ID from iPhone - Apple Support


If you had set up an Account Recovery Contact ( Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support ) you can also get a code that way.


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. This article explains how to recover your Apple ID after a waiting period - How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support


I agree that this is an annoying scenario. The best thing would be to set up a trusted number or account recovery contact with a trusted person who could then tell you the verification code while on the phone with them when setting up your new phone.


3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

May 30, 2023 7:11 AM in response to Makeiteasyagain

If you can still sign into your account on another device (such as a computer also with you on the trip) you can investigate adding more ways to get a code such as multiple telephone numbers where you can receive a text or a phone call. This is from the section "About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices" in the article: Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers use one of these methods:

● On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Next to Trusted Phone Number, tap Edit.

● On a Mac computer choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Password & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.

● Using a web browser: Go to the Account Security section of https://appleid.apple.com .


Similar information for the iPhone can be found here --> Manage two-factor authentication for your Apple ID from iPhone - Apple Support


If you had set up an Account Recovery Contact ( Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support ) you can also get a code that way.


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. This article explains how to recover your Apple ID after a waiting period - How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support


I agree that this is an annoying scenario. The best thing would be to set up a trusted number or account recovery contact with a trusted person who could then tell you the verification code while on the phone with them when setting up your new phone.


May 31, 2023 9:05 PM in response to Limnos

I believe the "account recovery contact" is the answer I've been looking for, although it requires very recent IOS or MacOS Monterey and relatively recent hardware, making me think it is itself a recent addition. Up to five people (also with up-to-date Mac resources) can be specified who who can provide the necessary second factor to get reconnected to an Apple ID if a working trusted phone is not available. But until my systems are up-to-date, is it possible to set up ANY phone number (not just one I "own") as a trusted phone number, say that of another family member?

Two-factor authentication scenario I've not seen answered

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