Unrequested "Your Apple ID Verification Code is:" texts

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Level 2

256 points

Unrequested "Your Apple ID Verification Code is:" texts

I occasionally get text messages on my phone that say "Your Apple ID Verification Code is: 1234" (for example). They are from "504-72", which I believe is Apple.

Why is Apple sending me verification codes when I'm not asking for them? I thought that it only sends a verification code if I'm trying to reset my password, and only after I successfully enter my recovery key. Could this mean that someone somehow got a copy of my recovery key?

Is there any way that someone else's attempts to unlock his iCloud account are being sent to my phone?

Posted on Apr 29, 2015 7:39 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 7, 2017 6:25 PM in response to gonzo411

Same here. The Apple rep checked my account, had me hard reset my phone for some reason, then go to Settings and sign out of Apple, then sign back in and change my password. I have received 2 verification texts iin the last week. Grrrr...

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Answer 2

Brian Kendig Author

Level 2

256 points

Oct 19, 2017 6:21 PM in response to Community User

A few months ago I heard about two-factor authentication for my Apple account (as opposed to two-step authentication, which I had been using). I immediately switched to two-factor authentication. It's worked fine and I've never gotten any verification codes since then.

See "Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support".

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Answer 3

Nov 2, 2016 6:46 PM in response to Brian Kendig

I realize it's much later, but it is possible that someone "accidentally" used your phone number to sign up for their Apple ID Account. I called support about the same issue, and it turns out my phone number is being used for two different accounts, mine and someone else. They can't tell you WHO it is, but they might be able to tell you if it's associated with more than one account. If you aren't requesting it, and your account is safe, it might be someone else accidentally using your number. Call Apple Support to make sure, and you'll be good to go!

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