Multiple Accounts/IDs on One Phone Number

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Level 1

4 points

Multiple Accounts/IDs on One Phone Number

Hello, I am trying to create two Apple IDs/accounts for two iPads we will be sending out to customers for approx. two weeks at a time in travel kits. These are short term loans, and will be repeated regularly. The system will not allow me to build an account using my telephone number, as it is registered to my personal account. Is there are simple solution for this? I tried multiple emails, even received a verification code via email, but it seems to be rejecting the new account setup based only on the phone number at this point. Thanks!

Posted on Feb 9, 2026 2:41 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 9, 2026 3:42 PM in response to rfrancies

I personally find it odd that you apparently cannot use a telephone number multiple times, but I guess it is expected that all members in a family now have their own telephone numbers. I remember when our family of 6 only had one number.

I you do not want to go out and buy some cheap burner phones, see if you have a friend who is not part of the Apple world who will let you use their number for setting up an account. You don't actually absolutely need the number again if you have other Apple devices signed into that account such as a computer. Read more about this here --> Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

By the way, if you are referring to a two-factor verification code you cannot have received it by email, only on a trusted device or by telephone.

Also FYI Help a friend or family member as their account recovery contact - Apple Support

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Answer 2

rfrancies Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 9, 2026 4:03 PM in response to Limnos

Thank you for your response. The email verification code was received by email during the account setup process, but then when I entered the correct email verification code on the account setup page, it gave me the "we cant use this phone number at this time" error. So when I went to attempt to log in, the account was never created. Thanks!

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Answer 3

Feb 9, 2026 6:38 PM in response to rfrancies

Apple does not say say anywhere of which I am aware that you can only use a number once to create an account, but I have seen others claim that. Yes, you will get an email verification to make sure you aren't playing around with the system, creating an account for an address where you have no access. After that every time you sign in on a new device you will get a two factor verification code which you cannot receive by email. It's been 20+ years since I set up an account so I only know details to the extent that Apple includes them in its support articles and doesn't just say, "Follow the instructions you see on the screen."

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Multiple Accounts/IDs on One Phone Number

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