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Re-gain access to child's Apple ID account

Due to some issues we were having on my son's (he's 10yrs old) iPad, we needed to sign out of his Apple ID, now when I try log back in I get a message that a verification code needs to be sent to the phone number associated with his account. Unfortunately this is an old cell phone number which I no longer have, thus no way to receive the code.

I did find there was an option to send the code to his email account, which unfortunately is an iCloud email account, so when trying to access his email we run into the same verification code issue.


What options do I have to to sign back into his account?


Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Posted on Jun 15, 2023 6:58 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jun 15, 2023 7:08 AM

If you can still sign into your account on another device 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


You may also wish to read the articles 'Two-factor authentication for Apple ID' ( Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support ) and 'Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication' ( Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support ). Various sections contain information that is useful in understanding about the trusted devices (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that Apple knows is yours) system, and how to get a verification code on a trusted device or at a telephone number.



3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jun 15, 2023 7:08 AM in response to WayneH1204

If you can still sign into your account on another device 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


You may also wish to read the articles 'Two-factor authentication for Apple ID' ( Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support ) and 'Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication' ( Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support ). Various sections contain information that is useful in understanding about the trusted devices (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that Apple knows is yours) system, and how to get a verification code on a trusted device or at a telephone number.



Jun 17, 2023 10:11 PM in response to WayneH1204

I would contact Apple and ask if they have a solution in this situation: "This article provides country-specific Apple Support contact information for customers seeking help with their Apple ID password or other security-related issues." --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support


I personally would never use an iCloud address as my notification email address for precisely the problem you are experiencing.

Jun 15, 2023 8:55 AM in response to Limnos

Thank you, this is very helpful. Based on the above, I am going to need to start the account recovery process, however, I noted this statement in the article: "After you’ve requested account recovery, you’ll receive an email confirming your request and the date and time of when you can expect to regain access. This email will arrive within 72 hours." I assume the email will be sent to my son's iCloud email which is the only email associated with his account? However, we cannot access this email account because when we try login, we are also getting the message that says it will send a verification code to the old cell phone number. Also, this statement: "When the waiting period is over, Apple sends you a text or automated phone call with instructions on how to regain access to your account. Follow the instructions to immediately regain access to your Apple ID." The phone number associated with the account is no longer active, also we cannot access the email account, in other words, Apple has no way to contact us, thus we have no way to receive the instructions. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you.

Re-gain access to child's Apple ID account

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