Stolen iPhone -> iCloud Password Change -> Logged out of all devices including Mac!

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Level 1

6 points

Stolen iPhone -> iCloud Password Change -> Logged out of all devices including Mac!

My son is studying abroad for college and had his iPhone stolen. He contacted the police and they said that they were not going to do anything because this happens so often. He did do the following though:

We contacted the provider and marked the number as stolen, disabling the EMEI.
He listed the iPhone as Lost.
He wiped the device.
He changed his iCloud Password.... This created a problem.

Changing the iCloud Password logged him out of his Mac and since he has 2FA configured, he can't get back in until he gets a new phone, right? The real problem is though, he is abroad and won't be able to get the same number until he returns home to the US. So 2FA is still not going to work because it's tied to his mobile number?

Posted on Oct 30, 2023 4:05 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

tygb

Level 9

64,628 points

Nov 1, 2023 9:08 AM in response to NetWarrior

A trusted number it could be a landline number can be added from Mac system preferences > password and security section , click on edit and add a new number , at least a single device is to be verified in the account , the old trusted iPhone is wiped out , the Apple ID password is changed ( that is still remembered ) .

The code can be accessed by clicking on get a verification code from Mac system preferences , you don't need to sign in at www.icloud.com , second method when landline number is added and verified a call will come to it , pick it up you will hear the verification code , write down and use it to access the account .

See these articles Use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID on iPhone - Apple Support

Use two-factor authentication for Apple ID security on your Mac - Apple Support

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

See the screen shots .

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Answer 2

Oct 30, 2023 4:31 PM in response to NetWarrior

Technically 2FA is tied to his trusted devices vice a specific phone number, but in this case the distinction is largely irrelevant.

He should have setup extra “Trusted Numbers” to receive the code either via voice or SMS and be able to login in EXACTLY this type of situation.

If he’s had the AppleID since he was “younger” it might actually STILL be the original Family Organizer’s phone.

Alternatively, he might also have established a Recovery Contact.

See available options to receive the code here:

Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Nov 1, 2023 1:48 PM in response to NetWarrior

Re: “… Apparently Trusted Numbers are discontinued… “

Sounds like you were provided w/ bad info.

To the contrary, Trusted Numbers are still a very important part of Apple’s AppleID 2FA “Recovery Architecture” …

… and their inclusion should be an element of anyone’s personal disaster recovery plan.

Their setup and usage are detailed in the support articles linked in tygb’s reply.

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Answer 4

NetWarrior Author

Level 1

6 points

Nov 1, 2023 9:36 PM in response to Chattanoogan

The Apple Store in London told us this. Thanks for this Info, from everyone. I am truly grateful. The most challenging part was the part of setting up the new phone.

Once he got the new phone from the Apple store, we had to add the carrier. That was a challenge because he was overseas on not on the Tmobile network in the US. He was on WiFi but adding the digital IMEI took a couple of tries and a few minutes.

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Answer 5

Nov 2, 2023 4:34 AM in response to NetWarrior

That’s great news, glad he was able to get it sorted. 👍

Re: “… He was on WiFi but adding the digital IMEI took a couple of tries and a few minutes …”

I interpret this statement as: T-Mo (U.S.) was indeed able to “push” to him a replacement “U.S.” eSIM - into his replacement iPhone - while he was physically located in the U.K.

Did I “read” this correctly?

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