Child's Apple ID password reset delayed by old number

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Child's Apple ID password reset delayed by old number

I have kids with Apple IDs managed through family sharing. We do not know the password for one account. when we try to reset the password, the trusted number that keeps popping up to validate us is an old number that I no longer have access to. We have now reset the password without a number then received an email that this will not be complete for a number of days and Apple support may expedite this reset. My child needs to use the Apple ID to set up their new Mac computer for school and we are running out of time. Any advice?

Posted on Jan 31, 2026 2:51 AM

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Answer 1

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Limnos

Level 10

428,711 points

Jan 31, 2026 4:14 AM in response to TheHill02

Have a look at:

If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support

and

How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

I no longer see where Apple talks about an accelerated process, but I remember they used to. Apple is going to need some kind of information proving you aren't some hacker trying to get into another user's account by pretending they forgot "their" password. From what others in this situation have said, this will be something that only the account owner would know. Depending upon what you can provide, the processes may be faster.

Here are links to posts by Community contributors which provide additional detail about the account recovery process and what to do if you do not receive a text or call: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community and How can I reset my Apple Account password? - Apple Community and How to delete Apple ID when you can't log… - Apple Community This thread outlines the multi-step process and final recovery —> My Apple ID is locked, how do I fix it? - Apple Community , and this one about things you should and should not do while waiting —> How can I recover my Apple ID after multi… - Apple Community

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