Q: Help! Lost Apple ID password & can't change it

Redacted for wrong advice.

You need a recovery key because you set up two step authentication.

You were warned very clearly when you set it up that you need to keep a copy of the recovery key in a safe place, as either the key or a trusted device are REQUIRED in the event you need to reset the password. They didn't make that up. they were not kidding. Without one or the other, you can not gain access to the account. If you could, it two step authentication wouldn't be worth salt as a security measure.

If you have a new device that is now activation locked with the old ID, you can take it and proof of purchase to Apple and they can remove the activation lock.

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There's nothing anyone can do about that. It can't set itself up. At some point, you set up two step authentication.

Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support

You or someone with your AppleID and password had to set it up. Apple does not pre-emptively do it and there are multiple steps involved so it hardly happened by accident. You options are explained in the link above.

note when talking to Apple your issue is with 2-step verification (as you were asked for your 14 character recovery key). 2-step authentication is a separate and newer feature (as explained from a link within the article linked to).

Good point. I use so many 2 step systems I tend to get the terms used by each vendor mixed up.

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It would have been nice if 2-step authentication had been called trusted device authentication or something a bit more distinctive.  But I know what you mean, between Google, my banks apps, and so on I have more 2-step systems set up then I can remember. But they are all covered in terms of recovery codes and such with encrypted notes in Keychain and mSecure (with backups of both of those).

Hi

Can you make an Appointment at Apple Store with proof of purchase .

They will help you to restore iPad .

Cheers

Brian ( uk)