how to get recovery key for ipad
Trying to access icloud for first generation ipad and it needs a recovery key code. Please help
User profile for user:
jeremy_v
User level:
Community Specialist
Hi alyssalavine,
I understand that you're trying to sign in with iCloud on your older iPad, but you need a recovery key to finish signing in. I'm happy to provide some help for this issue.
First, I recommend that you check out the following information about recovery keys:
Since the recovery key is generally needed to reset your password, you may be seeing a request for a verification code instead. Since your iPad is using older software, check out what's provided below:
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!
I understand that you're trying to sign in with iCloud on your older iPad, but you need a recovery key to finish signing in. I'm happy to provide some help for this issue.
First, I recommend that you check out the following information about recovery keys:
If you can't sign in with two-step verification using your Apple ID - Apple Support
If you lost the trusted device or phone number associated with your Apple ID
As long as you still have your Recovery Key and remember your Apple ID password, you can sign in and add a new trusted device or phone number to your account. You can also remove any devices you may have lost, sold, or given away.
- Go to your Apple ID account page and enter your Apple ID and password.
- On the Verify Your Identity screen, select "Can’t access your trusted devices?"
- In the pop-up window, enter your Recovery Key.
- Go to the Security section and click Edit.
Remove the device you no longer wish to use to verify your identity. If you have additional devices with Find My iPhone enabled, you can verify them as trusted devices. You can also add additional trusted phone numbers.
If you lost your Recovery Key
As long as you remember your Apple ID password and still have access to one of your trusted devices, you can sign in and create a new Recovery Key.
- Go to your Apple ID account page.
- Sign in with your password and trusted device.
- In the Security section, click Edit > Replace Lost Key.
Keep your new Recovery Key in a safe place. Your old Recovery Key won't work anymore and you can't use it to reset your password or access your account.
Since the recovery key is generally needed to reset your password, you may be seeing a request for a verification code instead. Since your iPad is using older software, check out what's provided below:
Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
What if I use two-factor authentication on a device running older software?
If you use two-factor authentication with devices running older OS versions, you might be asked to add your six-digit verification code to the end of your password when signing in. Get your verification codefrom a trusted device running iOS 9 and later or OS X El Capitan and later, or have it sent to your trusted phone number. Then type your password followed by the six-digit verification code directly into the password field.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!