User profile for user: Chitown4E
Chitown4E Author
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How can I recover an old Apple Account I no longer have access to?

I have an older Apple ID from when I just had an iPod and it's used for apps. I use my newer ID for text and email. It was a mistake I made over a decade ago. One day I was locked out of it, but I'd been able to download and continue on as normal, so I didn't worry about it. Now, I can't update my new phone without that Apple ID password. I've tried to recover the password two times. I get as far as being told via email that on X date at Y time I will get a call or a text with instructions and then I am ghosted. Any advice?


Thank you!



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MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.0

Posted on Jun 1, 2025 11:36 AM

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User profile for user: Mac Jim ID
Mac Jim ID
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Posted on Jun 1, 2025 11:55 AM

Make sure the Account Recovery request is not being cancelled by using the device.

  • Regardless of how you started the account recovery request, you should turn off all other devices that are currently signed in with your Apple Account until account recovery is complete. If your Apple Account is in use during your request, your account recovery will be cancelled automatically.
  • If you started your account recovery request with iforgot.apple.com through your device’s browser, you should avoid using that device during this period. If possible, turn that device off. Using that device might cancel account recovery.

How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support


In some cases, it will be necessary to create a new Apple Account if it is locked and you will need to remove the account from your device by removing the Activation Lock.

If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Mac Jim ID
Mac Jim ID
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 9
67,244 points

Jun 1, 2025 11:55 AM in response to Chitown4E

Make sure the Account Recovery request is not being cancelled by using the device.

  • Regardless of how you started the account recovery request, you should turn off all other devices that are currently signed in with your Apple Account until account recovery is complete. If your Apple Account is in use during your request, your account recovery will be cancelled automatically.
  • If you started your account recovery request with iforgot.apple.com through your device’s browser, you should avoid using that device during this period. If possible, turn that device off. Using that device might cancel account recovery.

How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support


In some cases, it will be necessary to create a new Apple Account if it is locked and you will need to remove the account from your device by removing the Activation Lock.

If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support


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How can I recover an old Apple Account I no longer have access to?

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