Unable to unlock Apple account

I have another Apple account (not this one) I have owned since 2010 that I am attempting to log into. When I try to log in I am told it has been locked for security reasons, and when I try to unlock the account I am told the phone number is incorrect. I have only had a single phone number my entire life, have never had to use that number before in the 15 years I've had that account, and the last 2 digits displayed match up to my current (and only) number. So either it was originally entered incorrectly or someone logged in to my account and changed it. I chatted with support and they told me the only way to do anything is with that number. So it seems I am now permanently locked out of my own account despite the fact I know the login info and still have access to the associated email account? Is there no alternative way to verify that I own my own account or send a password reset request to ensure security?

Posted on Aug 24, 2025 2:26 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 24, 2025 3:21 PM

Have you tried to enroll in account recovery?

The quickest and easiest way to start account recovery is right on your device. In Settings or System Settings, try to sign in on your device. If you don’t know your password and can’t verify your account information, you'll receive the option to start account recovery.

You can also start account recovery from iforgot.apple.com through your device’s browser.

  • If you started your account recovery in Settings, System Settings, or the Apple Support app, you can continue to use that specific device during the account recovery period.
  • 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. 


See this link for further reference How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 24, 2025 3:21 PM in response to crocomire

Have you tried to enroll in account recovery?

The quickest and easiest way to start account recovery is right on your device. In Settings or System Settings, try to sign in on your device. If you don’t know your password and can’t verify your account information, you'll receive the option to start account recovery.

You can also start account recovery from iforgot.apple.com through your device’s browser.

  • If you started your account recovery in Settings, System Settings, or the Apple Support app, you can continue to use that specific device during the account recovery period.
  • 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. 


See this link for further reference How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support



Aug 24, 2025 3:39 PM in response to WheelieNick

Yes I have tried that both through an iPad and on my browser. In both instances it says I am locked out from my account and prompts me for the phone number and I cannot proceed any further than that. And on my iPad I did not receive any option to start account recovery. The support person I chatted with also told me I cannot use account recovery without the phone number in question.

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Unable to unlock Apple account

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