Cannot iCloud sync due to previous iphone

I had a previous iPhone. Went to an android. Now I am back with an iPhone. I have managed to get my iPhone account restored, but it will not save my passwords because it wants me to add the code to my previous iPhone from years ago. When I go to my iCloud and find my iPhone, there is only my new device so I cannot remove a previous device even though I cannot do anything on my new iPhone because it wants me to verify my previous iPhone. How can I remove a previous device if the only device listed is my brand new one?

Posted on Jan 24, 2026 5:21 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 24, 2026 9:13 PM

Use a trusted device instead.


Based on: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support


A code is sent first to your trusted devices (some other Apple computer or Apple mobile device signed in with your account) automatically. If you have a trusted device running iOS 9 and later, OS X El Capitan and later, iPadOS 13 and later, or watchOS 6 and later, the verification code is displayed automatically on your trusted devices.


If you don’t have a trusted device handy, you can choose to have a verification code sent to your trusted phone number as a text message or phone call.

1. Select “Didn’t Get a Code?” or “Can’t get to your devices?” on the verification code screen.

2. Choose a telephone number for where to receive a code.

3. You'll get a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code. This text message might include an additional domain validation line. This line includes the @ symbol, the website name, and your code (for example: @icloud.com #123456 %apple.com).

4. Enter the code on your other device to complete sign in.

It is a good idea to have more than one trusted number.


If you had set up a recovery contact, read Help a friend or family member as their account recovery contact - Apple Support


If you see. “Verification codes cannot be sent to this phone number at this time. Please try again later,”:

1) Wait a few hours and try again. Maybe it really does mean not at this particular time.

2) Use this link to check the status of Apple’s various services and servers —>

Apple - Support - System Status

3) Disable entirely any VPN you are using.

4) Try clicking on, “Cannot use this number?”



If you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account [ How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support ]. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 24, 2026 9:13 PM in response to MikeMikeHayward

Use a trusted device instead.


Based on: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support


A code is sent first to your trusted devices (some other Apple computer or Apple mobile device signed in with your account) automatically. If you have a trusted device running iOS 9 and later, OS X El Capitan and later, iPadOS 13 and later, or watchOS 6 and later, the verification code is displayed automatically on your trusted devices.


If you don’t have a trusted device handy, you can choose to have a verification code sent to your trusted phone number as a text message or phone call.

1. Select “Didn’t Get a Code?” or “Can’t get to your devices?” on the verification code screen.

2. Choose a telephone number for where to receive a code.

3. You'll get a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code. This text message might include an additional domain validation line. This line includes the @ symbol, the website name, and your code (for example: @icloud.com #123456 %apple.com).

4. Enter the code on your other device to complete sign in.

It is a good idea to have more than one trusted number.


If you had set up a recovery contact, read Help a friend or family member as their account recovery contact - Apple Support


If you see. “Verification codes cannot be sent to this phone number at this time. Please try again later,”:

1) Wait a few hours and try again. Maybe it really does mean not at this particular time.

2) Use this link to check the status of Apple’s various services and servers —>

Apple - Support - System Status

3) Disable entirely any VPN you are using.

4) Try clicking on, “Cannot use this number?”



If you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account [ How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support ]. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.



Cannot iCloud sync due to previous iphone

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.