Forgot apple id and no acces to phone number

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Forgot apple id and no acces to phone number

My sister accidentally entered the wrong passcode multiple times on her iPhone, resulting in a message that said "iPhone Unavailable." She then gave me the phone to help resolve the issue. I followed a tutorial on YouTube, connected the phone to my computer, put the phone into recovery mode, and clicked "Restore" in iTunes, followed by "Restore and Update."

After the phone booted up, all data was erased, which she did not want since she had important apps like Revolut and other banking applications on the phone. Then, the Activation Lock screen appeared, and she couldn't remember the Apple ID as her ex-boyfriend had created it for her. He had only given her the password to use.

I saw an option to unlock with the passcode and asked her for it. She provided a couple of possibilities, but they were incorrect. When she finally remembered the correct passcode, the option was no longer available due to too many wrong attempts.

Now, the account is locked, and we need to reset the password. When we enter the email on iforgot.apple.com, it asks to confirm a phone number ending in 57. We have searched through old contacts and call logs but cannot identify this number. The only clue we have is an old SMS from Apple on her old phone from May 23, 2023, when she bought the phone.

We would appreciate any assistance you can provide to resolve this issue.

Posted on Jul 29, 2024 7:24 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Limnos

Community+ 2026

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446,137 points

Jul 29, 2024 7:44 AM in response to leo_anastasov

By not setting up an account properly it seems the only thing to do is to contact the ex-boyfriend for help. You can try How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support but to me it is sounding like you are missing too many required pieces.

If in the end you cannot recover the account, just maybe you can regain use of the device (but the account will be lost). Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps 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

Apple has placed tight security around accounts (which can have very personal information including your entire financial records) and around devices (which are very popular with thieves). They are pretty strict about the criteria required to unlock either of these. While ensuring security for users, it works both ways in terms of having to meet strict criteria. Let's hope you can regain possession of one or both.

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Answer 2

Jul 29, 2024 8:03 AM in response to Limnos

Hello,

Thank you for your response.

At this point, my sister is no longer concerned about the lost data; her main worry is that her iPhone 14 Plus is now unusable. It would be devastating to lose such a valuable device in this way. Unfortunately, we no longer have the box or the receipt. We're not sure if the store where she bought it keeps a duplicate invoice, but we doubt it.

We are considering contacting the phone operator to retrieve the number she had during the period she purchased the phone. If the number has been reassigned, we could ask the current owner for the code. If not, she can reclaim the number.

We also thought about contacting her ex, who set up the Apple ID, but there's a chance he might have forgotten the details as well.

I regret attempting to unlock the phone with the passcode multiple times. If I had waited patiently, she might have remembered the correct passcode, and we could have avoided this whole situation.

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Answer 3

Jul 29, 2024 8:10 AM in response to leo_anastasov

It sounds like you know your path forward on this. :-)

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Answer 4

Jul 30, 2024 4:48 PM in response to Limnos

Hello, I contacted her ex boyfriend and got the correct Apple ID. I opened a new thread. I hope you'll take a moment to read it!

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Forgot apple id and no acces to phone number

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