How to recover Apple ID without access to the phone number?

I received a weird email that a new phone # was added to my apple ID. Its not the Apple I am logged into now, it is a different but similar email address.

It was fishy so I logged in with the account I am logged in with now to change THAT password as a precautionary measure.


Then I tried to login with the email address that received the email with the new phone # added, but couldn't.


Password recovery isnt working because I don't even know that full # to get past the initial recovery screen.

I dont even own any apple products. My other family members have iPhones if needed to try to fix. And none of their phone #s match the one added, no one I know has the last 2 #s match.


I clearly have access to the email address associate with that Apple ID.


What are my options to reset this and update to a correct #?


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Cannot reset password/login - Do NOT know the phone # on the account

Posted on Sep 7, 2025 7:06 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 7, 2025 7:28 AM

Since the email is similar to the one you use, it sounds like the owner of an Apple Account incorrectly entered the wrong Notification email address to their account and that is why you received that message. That wouldn't give you access to that email account, it is just the email address the owner gave to Apple to send those Notification emails.


I would recommend to contact Apple directly and they may be able to assist by alerting the actual owner of the account that the Notification email address being used is incorrect. Two Factor Authentication on that account will prevent you from accessing it.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 7, 2025 7:28 AM in response to celloshred

Since the email is similar to the one you use, it sounds like the owner of an Apple Account incorrectly entered the wrong Notification email address to their account and that is why you received that message. That wouldn't give you access to that email account, it is just the email address the owner gave to Apple to send those Notification emails.


I would recommend to contact Apple directly and they may be able to assist by alerting the actual owner of the account that the Notification email address being used is incorrect. Two Factor Authentication on that account will prevent you from accessing it.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support



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How to recover Apple ID without access to the phone number?

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