Unlocking Apple ID (failed answers to security questions)

Question

Level 1

14 points

Unlocking Apple ID (failed answers to security questions)

I was trying to rent a movie on iTunes and it turned out to be my first purchase via iTunes (I usually purchase via App Store on iPhone), so Apple asked me to provide the answer to two security questions that, apparently, I had set up with the firm conviction of remembering the answers to such basic queries, while I did not (as it appears, my dream job has changed since setting up the questions). Now my account is locked and honestly I do not find Apple's article on unlocking your Apple ID to be very clear as to what I'm supposed to do now. Is resetting the password the single necessary step to unlocking the account--will everything be okay and back to working after that? How can I bypass the security questions wall if I do not remember the answers to such questions? In the Password & Security tab of My Apple ID page, there is no link to request a recovery email with the answers. More important--and this is my main concern--is all of this going to affect all of my Apple account's settings on both Mac and iPhone?

Thank you!

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Jan 9, 2015 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,001 points

Jan 9, 2015 1:53 PM in response to EnricaPelv

Alternatives for Help Resetting Security Questions and/or Rescue Mail

1. If you have a valid rescue email address, then use this procedure:

Rescue email address and how to reset Apple ID security questions.

2. Fill out and submit this form. Select the topic, Account Security. You must

have a Rescue Email to use this option.

3. This is the only option if you do not already have a valid Rescue Email.

These are telephone numbers for contacting Apple Support in your country.

Apple ID- Contacting Apple for help with Apple ID account security. Select

the appropriate country and call. Ask to speak to the Account Security Team.

4. Account security issues almost always require you to speak directly to an

Apple representative to securely establish your identity as the account holder.

You can set it up so that Apple calls you, either immediately or at a time

convenient to you.

1. Go to www.apple.com/support.

2. Choose Contact Support and click Contact Us.

3. Choose Other Apple ID Topics and choose the appropriate topic for

your issue.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Note: If you have already forgotten your security questions, then you cannot

set up a rescue email address in order to reset them. You must set up

the rescue email address beforehand.

Your Apple ID: Manage My Apple ID.

Apple ID- All about Apple ID security questions.

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Answer 2

EnricaPelv Author

Level 1

14 points

Jan 10, 2015 4:37 AM in response to Kappy

Thank you again. I managed to reactivate the account just by resetting the password (you have to wait eight hours after it's locked to be able to do that), and to bypass the security questions problem, I'm going to my local Apple Store and speak with a representative.

That being said, I still don't understand what's up with the security questions. I'm pretty sure I'm answering them right, and unless the answers are case-sensitive, there's something else going on that I can't quite understand.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,001 points

Jan 9, 2015 2:15 PM in response to EnricaPelv

I believe once you reset your security settings this should unlock your account unless: Apple ID- "This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons" alert appears.

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Answer 4

EnricaPelv Author

Level 1

14 points

Jan 9, 2015 1:58 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you. But just to make sure, your answer has to do with resetting security questions and not with unlocking account? Can I unlock the account without having to contact support?

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