I created a recovery key a year ago but when I logged onto the apple website (for a different reason) it says: "Recovery Key Not Set Up". why would this happen? do I have to create another one? can I test my recovery key without having to actually "recover" my account? I don't need to use it now but want to make sure that this is correct for the future. thx
iPhone 16
You can verify that your key is setup at Settings -> AppleID [Name] -> Sign-In & Security.
If desired, you can drill-down one more level and Create New Recovery Key which completely replaces any previous key(s).
Keep in mind that use of a recovery key is completely optional. Given the right “really bad day” circumstances, it can result in a permanent “lock out” and data loss for which Apple can not assist.
Instead of logging in to an Apple website, use your iPhone to visit Settings > [your Apple Account] > Sign-In & Security. What do you see at “Recovery Key” there?
Did you login with the same Apple Account credentials that you created the recovery key with? Or did you use a different Apple Account credentials?
The one workable “alternative” is that IF you use Advanced Data Protection for iCloud …
… AND you have Recovery Contacts configured …
… you CAN use those contacts to regain access to your Apple Account w/o your Recovery Key.
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud - Apple Support
Atticusboy wrote:
it shouldn't, but, could this happen if you change phones? I ~recently bought a iphone-16... ?
If you didn’t properly transition your original Apple Account …
Check Settings > [your Apple Account] > Sign-In & Security > [Email & Phone Numbers] (at the top).
And if you changed region or country, that is significant.
Re: “… why would use of the recovery key lock me out? … “
Good question.
Read the verbiage in this article VERY carefully (specifically the 4th complete paragraph):
Set up a recovery key for your Apple Account - Apple Support
The “Bad Day Situation” is generally a natural (or man-made) disaster where you escape w/ “only the shirt on your back” (but none of your trusted devices).
If you don’t know your Apple Account password perfectly from memory while in this incredibly stressful situation, you’ll not be able to use your Trusted Numbers, and therefore you’ll NEED your Recovery Key to regain account access.
Now, if your “Really Bad Day” disaster recovery plan has taken all this into account - with backups in strategically-dispersed AND still-accessible locations, GREAT.
If not … and you then ask Apple for help … that help will NOT be forthcoming.
Restated: When a Recovery Key is used, maintaining access to your account is ENTIRELY your responsibility. Apple generally has removed the “Safety Net”
thank you for your help. it says that I need to "set up"... frustrating since I have my handwritten recovery key in front of me.
it shouldn't, but, could this happen if you change phones? I ~recently bought a iphone-16... ?
thank you again. m
thank you for your response. can you explain your last sentence: why would use of the recovery key lock me out? m
no problem there, and no changes to region, etc.
got it. thank you!
You’re welcome.
"Recovery Key Not Set Up"... but I have a recovery key already
