HT202649: If you can't sign in with two-step verification using your Apple ID

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Randy M.
Level 1 (7 points)

Q: The replace recovery key does not exist on the apple ID account under the security section.  How do I make a new recovery key number?

In the support section for a lost "Recovery Key" for two step verification it reports, that a replacement recovery key can be generated on the apple ID account under the security section.  However, it is not located there.  How can I make a new recovery key?

 

Thank you.

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Jan 24, 2016 6:23 PM

by FoxFifth,Apple recommended
FoxFifth FoxFifth
Level 7 (25,667 points)
iPhone
A:

If the exact wording of the section below "APP-SPECIFIC PASSWORDS" is not "TWO-STEP VERIFICATION" but is something like "Two-Factor Authentication" -- which from your reply it sounds like it is, note that is a new method recently offered by Apple that is still in the process of rolling out. It isn't yet available to me so I can't test it but there is no mention of the availability or use of a recovery key with it (like there was/is for two-step verification). There is a discussion of recovery methods that don't involve a recovery key. in the following link however.

 

No need to apologize but whoever came up with such a similar name for the new system maybe should.

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

Posted on Jan 28, 2016 5:21 PM

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Randy M.

Q: The replace recovery key does not exist on the apple ID account under the security section.  How do I make a new recovery key ... more

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  • by FoxFifth,Apple recommended

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Jan 24, 2016 6:43 PM in response to Randy M.
    Level 7 (25,667 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 24, 2016 6:43 PM in response to Randy M.

    I just checked https://appleid.apple.com/account/manage and it does show (for me) after I click the Edit button in the Security section. Two possibilities -- 1) it was below the bottom of the screen on my display so I needed to scroll down to see it and 2) if you scroll further down after clicking the Edit button in the Security section, does it show that Two-step verification is on?

  • by Randy M.,

    Randy M. Randy M. Jan 27, 2016 7:44 PM in response to FoxFifth
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Jan 27, 2016 7:44 PM in response to FoxFifth

    Dear FoxFifth,

     

    Thank you for your reply.  I went back and looked once again.  I do have it turned on and have simply misplaced my "Recovery Key" which apparently one of my old iPads requires to work.  After I open the edit I get four sections form top to bottom sowing the following.  Change password (which when opened did not show anything for a "Recovery key").  "Trusted phone numbers" to add another phone number for safety access.  The next section is  "APP-Specific Passwords".  And finally the "Two-Factor Authentication" which is labeled "On".  I  apologize if I am being dense and over looking it.  I am running 10.11 on the above stated MAC.

     

    Are you seeing another category that I am missing?

     

    Thanks

  • by FoxFifth,Apple recommended

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Jan 28, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Randy M.
    Level 7 (25,667 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 28, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Randy M.

    If the exact wording of the section below "APP-SPECIFIC PASSWORDS" is not "TWO-STEP VERIFICATION" but is something like "Two-Factor Authentication" -- which from your reply it sounds like it is, note that is a new method recently offered by Apple that is still in the process of rolling out. It isn't yet available to me so I can't test it but there is no mention of the availability or use of a recovery key with it (like there was/is for two-step verification). There is a discussion of recovery methods that don't involve a recovery key. in the following link however.

     

    No need to apologize but whoever came up with such a similar name for the new system maybe should.

    Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

  • by Randy M.,

    Randy M. Randy M. Jan 28, 2016 5:38 PM in response to FoxFifth
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Jan 28, 2016 5:38 PM in response to FoxFifth

    Thank you FoxFifth,

     

    I read the link and interesting they did not use the verbiage "Recovery Key".  All of my other devises are working just fine with this program, it is simply an old 1st or 2nd generation iPad that seems to be lagging behind and won't let me connect any longer to iCloud now without producing this magic or furtive code.  I suspect as you have stated that they are going to evolve to another simpler way of Recovery.  The original descriptions put great emphasis on storing and keeping the "Recovery Key", but to be honest I don't ever remember even seeing one, but I might have just overlooked it.  As far as the older iPad goes, it may get pulled in as the system upgrades.

     

    Thank you again for your responses.

     

    Randy

  • by FoxFifth,Apple recommended

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Jan 28, 2016 6:26 PM in response to Randy M.
    Level 7 (25,667 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 28, 2016 6:26 PM in response to Randy M.

    The verification code is not the same as a recovery key. If the iPad is asking for a verification code, the following may help: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

  • by neoscribe,

    neoscribe neoscribe Jul 31, 2016 12:14 PM in response to Randy M.
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 31, 2016 12:14 PM in response to Randy M.

    Randy,

     

    I have the same problem. I had to turn on Two Factor Authentication to ward off some hacker activity that I had last month. Now, my 1st Gen iPad wants a recovery key so that it can connect to do iCloud backups. I'm a few months away from getting the latest iPad, so I don't want to lose anything when I cut over.

     

    It is, quite literally, asking for a "Recovery Key", not a verification code.  There is no Recovery Key option available, no Reset Recovery Key button, or anything else on the security page when two-factor authentication is turned on. I don't know if this a mistake on Apple's part, or if it just meanest that two factor authentication does not require a recovery key.

     

    I suspect that the old iPad (which is constrained to iOS 4.x) only knows how to work with an outdated recovery model.

     

    I'm going to back it up on my computer and turn off iCloud on the iPad.  I'm afraid to turn off two-factor auth in case the old iPad locks my account.

     

    Good luck!