How do I replace a trusted phone number with a new one for iCloud account recovery?

My old phone number is the trusted number/device. I have a different phone number and new iPhone when I dumped my old carrier. My iPhone is unlocked so can transfer my old number. Thus I have the transfer information and can replace the new phone number with my old number. If I switch out the numbers, does my new iPhone become my "trusted device"? And will the recovery messages go to the correct device?


Logically, this would seem to be a solution. I appreciate any thoughts as I'm trying to restore my senile spouse's iCloud account and he's in a distant nursing home.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 10, 2025 2:18 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 10, 2025 2:48 PM

Trusted devices and trusted phone numbers are 2 different things.


When you sign in to your Apple Account on a new device, that device becomes a trusted device.

This has. nothing to do with any Trusted phone numbers you may have added to your account, and in fact the trusted phone number should always be a different phone number you have access to even when you don't have access to your iPhone.


The Trusted phone number is a backup fail safe when you don't have your trusted devices available to get the Two-Factor authentications codes. In that case, you can have a code sent via SMS or voice call to a trusted phone number so you can log in to your account on a different device or computer.


A Trusted phone number can be an Android device or a landline of someone you trust or even your own home line if you have one.


You can update trusted phone numbers through your Apple Account from a trusted device or the https://account.apple.com website.

click here ➜ Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 10, 2025 2:48 PM in response to shyland

Trusted devices and trusted phone numbers are 2 different things.


When you sign in to your Apple Account on a new device, that device becomes a trusted device.

This has. nothing to do with any Trusted phone numbers you may have added to your account, and in fact the trusted phone number should always be a different phone number you have access to even when you don't have access to your iPhone.


The Trusted phone number is a backup fail safe when you don't have your trusted devices available to get the Two-Factor authentications codes. In that case, you can have a code sent via SMS or voice call to a trusted phone number so you can log in to your account on a different device or computer.


A Trusted phone number can be an Android device or a landline of someone you trust or even your own home line if you have one.


You can update trusted phone numbers through your Apple Account from a trusted device or the https://account.apple.com website.

click here ➜ Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support


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How do I replace a trusted phone number with a new one for iCloud account recovery?

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