Two factor authentication when changing countries

Question

Level 2

291 points

Two factor authentication when changing countries

I'm about to relocate from one country to another. This will mean I have to change iCloud accounts as the address on my credit card will change. Also, I will have a different phone number and will not have any of my trusted computers with me as I intend to buy a new one.

So how will my two-factor authentication work? How will I get into my iCloud data?

I appreciate all answers but it would be great if you could include links for your sources (e.g. an official Apple support page)

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Jun 6, 2017 3:59 PM

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Answer 1

zinacef

Level 10

88,756 points

Jun 7, 2017 9:26 AM in response to TimK

Are you moving to a country where two-factor authentication is not available? You shouldn't have to change your "iCloud accounts" but only change the country -- Change your iTunes Store country or region - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jun 8, 2017 3:15 PM in response to TimK

Well, for your last question:

TimK wrote:

How can I register a new 'Trusted phone Number' if I cannot log into my apple id account?

You cannot update information on your Apple ID (which is where the Trusted Phone Numbers are housed) without your passcode.

If you have forgotten your passcode, then you can follow the instructions in this support article under Two-Factor Authentication: If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

Best of luck,

GB

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Answer 3

Jun 9, 2017 9:23 AM in response to TimK

OK, if you have no devices where you can receive the verification code then you have to Request Account Recovery, which can be a longish process:

If I can't sign in, how do I regain access to my account?

If you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. Account recovery is an automatic process designed to get you back in to your account as quickly as possible while denying access to anyone who might be pretending to be you. It might take a few days—or longer—depending on what specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.

This support article is very informational:

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

So, I would recommend that you include numbers in your Trusted number list that you are likely to have around for awhile - like your Mom's or Grandmother's landline.

Cheers,

GB

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Answer 4

TimK Author

Level 2

291 points

Jun 7, 2017 11:16 PM in response to TimK

Thanks, but, well, to all intents and purposes I have to change my account, because I have to start afresh and will lose all my previously bought apps and music.

But the main question is how I can log into my account on to a new computer if I do not have any of my trusted devices.

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Answer 5

Jun 7, 2017 11:21 PM in response to TimK

Why do you think you have to change your Apple ID? Not following.

And for Two-Factor Authentication, you register Trusted Phone Numbers, not Trusted Devices. A Trusted Phone Number can be any device that can receive a text or phone call, including a landline.

GB

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Answer 6

TimK Author

Level 2

291 points

Jun 8, 2017 1:53 AM in response to gail from maine

You might not have to change the Apple ID as such, but you have to change everything that's connected with purchasing. iTunes, app store, iBooks, apple music, etc. You lose everything in the former and it's a real hassle. I've been through it once, and not happy about having to deal with it again.

Anyway, I only mentioned as being one hassle of moving countries and it's not my main question.

I'm not sure what you mean about 'not trusted devices'. Apple talks about trusted devices, and when I log into a new advice, the new code number pops up on one of my other computers, not my phone.

I have registered a 'Trusted phone Number', but my question still remains. How can I register a new 'Trusted phone Number' if I cannot log into my apple id account?

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Answer 7

TimK Author

Level 2

291 points

Jun 9, 2017 12:38 AM in response to gail from maine

Thanks but that is about forgetting my password. I haven't forgotten my password.

One of us is failing to understand the problem, and of course that might be me.

In Two-factor authorization, which I have been using successfully for six months now, when I want to log into iCloud on a new machine I have to input my password, and then a six digit code appears on a different, trusted, machine, which has already been cleared to log into iCloud. I then input that six digit code on to my new machine.

My question is what happens if I no longer have access to any of my trusted machines, and my trusted phone number is no longer valid?

(I should add that friends of mine in this situation have found themselves locked out of their account).

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