Unable to reset security questions for iCloud account

Several years ago Apple transitioned to using two factor authentication instead of security questions. You can continue to use security questions if you already use them and they are working for you, but if you have problems then they no longer get direct support. You can try the directions in this support article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support but the article is labeled "archived" and may contain information that no longer applies. If the instructions work then fine; if they do not (e.g., you see “not enough information”*) then you will have no option but to change to the newer security method, if you can. Over the past few years Apple has been persistently encouraging users to switch to the newer two factor authentication security system. For those who have disregarded their encouraging, Apple will likely only help you to now change to two factor authentication, if even that is possible. Follow the instructions in the "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID" section in this support article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support to try to change to two factor authentication.

If you still need help, contact Apple Account support at this link ➞ https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups&PGF=PGF63005

Select "Other Apple Account Topics", then "Security concerns or account compromised." This will give you a chat or telephone call option.

If Apple cannot, or will not, help you transition to two factor authentication then it is quite possible you will have to simply abandon the old account and everything it contained. In that case, if you were using the Find My service, the Activation Lock support request support article at: - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support may at least let you regain use of your equipment. If not, you will also have to say goodbye to that as well.

Good luck!

*See the third page of this discussion Unable to Reset Apple ID Security Questio… - Apple Community Some people talk about getting out of a “loop” by logging in a different way. I am not really following what they are talking about but maybe you can see if it helps.

Security questions means you have not turned on two factor authentication, which allows a secure way to reset your password by using either a Trusted Device or Trusted Phone number that you have set up in case the password has been forgotten. Without Two Factor Authentication, the Security Question are the only way to prove that you are the one who set up the account.

You can still try Account Recovery or use the iforgot.apple.com website, but it may be the case that you are going to have to set up an entirely new Apple Account and make sure you are using Two Factor Authentication.

For many years now Apple has recommended to use Two Factor Authentication (in supported regions) instead of relying on Security Questions, since through the use of Social Engineering your account is not as secure.

You can also contact Apple directly here and talk to a live person (in supported regions):

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Motaharehsh wrote:

I have forgotten the answers to my security questions and I can’t manage to restart them no matter what I do

Do you recognize the questions?

If you have potentially lost control of your Apple Account due to a password compromise or such, those security questions usually get changed to other questions and other answers, and won’t ever be answerable by you.

Enabling two-factor authentication makes take-over due to password compromise or password re-use or phishing somewhat more difficult. Enabling two-factor authentication eliminates the security questions.

Limnos wrote:

You can use them despite social engineering.

That is a good workaround for the Security Questions and you are correct it is up to you to remember them or more specifically to write them down. Unless you have a very good memory to know you used Potassium permanganate for an answer to High School Mascot, the user would be in the same situation as forgetting the password that was used.

It is not just Apple that has moved to more secure methods to protect users account. At one time questions like Mother's maiden name, High School, City born were considered safe, but with the information readily available on the Internet and Social Media, that is no longer the case. An answer to 2 of those questions would give someone complete access to your account, which is actually much easier than trying to guess the password they would have used. If you have financial data stored there, the lesson can be very expensive.

I do know you use Two-Step Verification with security questions, but that is not an approach I would feel comfortable recommending for users. Two Factor Authentication does have its hangups, but Account Recovery with a forgotten password is much easier and less likely to result in a loss of data. You do make a good point of being able to come up with your own questions, but frankly I have not seen that approach widely used either.

You can use them despite social engineering. Most people don't think that way though. Apple is particularly annoying since they don't let you come up with your own questions and the ones they ask presume you fit in with the average culture of that country. For example, I did not go to a "high School" (it had a different name) and it certainly didn't have a mascot. What I did is come up with a totally different answer that did not fit in with the question asked. What was my high-school mascot? Potassium permanganate. (Not an actual answer for me!) You just have to remember the answers. You can even come up with remote association, for example I liked chemistry at school and we did neat things with potassium permanganate.

Mac Jim ID wrote:

Unless you have a very good memory

Oddly, my library card has a 14 digit number and I have somehow managed to memorize the entire thing! :-D I wouldn't want to try that with a recovery key though.