I can not recover my apple id password, after working on it for months, it appears I can not reset my password. i am unable to get new apps, or update my phone. Will I be able to use my phone if I reset it to factory settings and start over with a new apple id and password
[Re-Titled By Moderator]
This Apple article has instructions for what to do if you have forgotten your Apple account password —> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
or go directly to this link —> http://iforgot.apple.com/
If you don't receive your verification or reset email, read this Apple Support article: If you didn't receive your verification or reset email - Apple Support
"When you make certain updates to your Apple ID, we’ll send you an email to help you complete the update. For example, you might have reset your password, reset your security questions, or added a new email address to your account."
If you find you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery (read this support article: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support ) to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. More detail in —> Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community
This page has telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
If you are signed into this forum using the same Apple Account then your browser may be configured to automatically enter your password. You should be able to view stored passwords in your browser's preferences/settings.
If you absolutely cannot recover your account you will likely find you get locked permanently out of your device by Find My/Activation Lock. If you are going to change accounts you have to remove the old account first using the account information (which you do not have). The alternative is to ask Apple to reset the device:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.
*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
This Apple article has instructions for what to do if you have forgotten your Apple account password —> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
or go directly to this link —> http://iforgot.apple.com/
If you don't receive your verification or reset email, read this Apple Support article: If you didn't receive your verification or reset email - Apple Support
"When you make certain updates to your Apple ID, we’ll send you an email to help you complete the update. For example, you might have reset your password, reset your security questions, or added a new email address to your account."
If you find you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery (read this support article: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support ) to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. More detail in —> Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community
This page has telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
If you are signed into this forum using the same Apple Account then your browser may be configured to automatically enter your password. You should be able to view stored passwords in your browser's preferences/settings.
If you absolutely cannot recover your account you will likely find you get locked permanently out of your device by Find My/Activation Lock. If you are going to change accounts you have to remove the old account first using the account information (which you do not have). The alternative is to ask Apple to reset the device:
Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.
*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support
How to recover my forgotten Apple ID password?
