I lost the password to my old iCloud and I don’t have access to the backup number I need to reset it. What do I do?

As I said in the title, I forgot my password to my old iCloud from about three years ago. Everytime I try to reset it, it asks for the “backup number”. I don’t have access to this number anymore. It’s not mine. I don’t know what to do.

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 17

Posted on Oct 17, 2023 3:55 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 17, 2023 6:47 PM

It’s having you confirm the trusted phone number tied to the account so you can do account recovery and reset the password.


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/email, follow that text/email immediately.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 17, 2023 6:47 PM in response to dres46

It’s having you confirm the trusted phone number tied to the account so you can do account recovery and reset the password.


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/email, follow that text/email immediately.

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I lost the password to my old iCloud and I don’t have access to the backup number I need to reset it. What do I do?

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