Apple ID recovery shows 6-day timer and no SMS received

Apple ID recovery — 6-day timer, SMS not received


Hello,

I started the process of recovering my Apple ID via iforgot.apple.com.


  • Initially, the system showed a timer of about 24 hours, then it increased to 6 days.
  • I remember my Apple ID login.
  • SMS codes do not arrive on my primary number, and also not on the secondary number.
  • I do not have access to the email since it is registered with iCloud.
  • Device: iPhone 17, purchased new from an official store, I have the box and receipt.


I would like to know from users who have experienced a similar situation:

  • Is this a normal process?
  • Is there a chance that the password reset button will not appear after 6 days?
  • What is the best way to handle this to avoid losing access?


Thank you in advance for your advice!

iPhone 17

Posted on Jan 31, 2026 12:57 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 31, 2026 5:21 PM

Have been through the account recovery process with my account and I was able to get back in.


After 24 hours, when going back to iforgot.apple.com and entering your Apple account email and the phone number on your account, it is supposed to show you a waiting period, which is your 6 days.


Each person who goes through this process will have a different waiting period. Some accounts may say 3 days, or 6 days in your case, or 27 days. It varies with each account and on how much info is provided when starting this process.


For security reasons, it might take several days or longer before you can use your account again after you start account recovery.


Apple Support can’t shorten the waiting period. The reason why Apple support advisors can’t, is because the account recovery process and waiting period are controlled by Apple computer systems and the process is automated. Apple has this process in place to help keep your account and information safe.


The blue “reset password” button will not disappear. It is always on the iforgot.apple.com website.


If you started account recovery process on your phone and are not signed into your Apple account, your phone can stay on.


Any other Apple devices signed into the same Apple account will need to be turned off. If you leave them on, Apple’s system thinks you have regained access to your account and cancelled the process if they are left on.




Take a look at this article which explains Account recovery in detail:

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


You don't need access to your email for your Apple account to regain access to the account.


Hope this helps!





Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 31, 2026 5:21 PM in response to dqnl210

Have been through the account recovery process with my account and I was able to get back in.


After 24 hours, when going back to iforgot.apple.com and entering your Apple account email and the phone number on your account, it is supposed to show you a waiting period, which is your 6 days.


Each person who goes through this process will have a different waiting period. Some accounts may say 3 days, or 6 days in your case, or 27 days. It varies with each account and on how much info is provided when starting this process.


For security reasons, it might take several days or longer before you can use your account again after you start account recovery.


Apple Support can’t shorten the waiting period. The reason why Apple support advisors can’t, is because the account recovery process and waiting period are controlled by Apple computer systems and the process is automated. Apple has this process in place to help keep your account and information safe.


The blue “reset password” button will not disappear. It is always on the iforgot.apple.com website.


If you started account recovery process on your phone and are not signed into your Apple account, your phone can stay on.


Any other Apple devices signed into the same Apple account will need to be turned off. If you leave them on, Apple’s system thinks you have regained access to your account and cancelled the process if they are left on.




Take a look at this article which explains Account recovery in detail:

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


You don't need access to your email for your Apple account to regain access to the account.


Hope this helps!





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Apple ID recovery shows 6-day timer and no SMS received

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