Can't sign in Apple ID because of two factor verification

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Level 1

8 points

Can't sign in Apple ID because of two factor verification

I recently restored my iPhone to shred some space and now it's asking me for a two step verification code, problem is the phone number for it is lost and I don't even remember it. All I have is the username, password and obviously eMail, but there is no apparent way to log in with just those.

- "Enter the code sent to your other iPhone". Which other iPhone? Who says I still have it?

- So I press "Did not get a verification code?"

- It either lets me send a code again or text it to the lost phone number. How am I supposed to use the account again if these are the only options it's giving me? Now I can't download apps, I can't update my current ones even if I use another ID and I'm basically stuck. Ridiculous.

iPhone 5s

Posted on Aug 13, 2018 4:45 AM

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Answer 1

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Aug 13, 2018 5:52 AM in response to Vaal_

Can you borrow a friend's or family member's phone?

Apple ID - Recover your Apple ID with two-factor authentication account recovery

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Answer 2

Aug 13, 2018 5:51 AM in response to Vaal_

You said both, actually. Two-factor does not have Recovery Code unless you take the option to have one. If it's two-factor you should be getting the code on all your logged-in devices, not an SMS to one phone. If you aren't, you should contact Support - https://getsupport.apple.com/

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Answer 3

Vaal_ Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2018 5:41 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

As I said it's a two-factor authentication, not two-step. I never received a Recovery Code of any sort. I can't go into my settings to receive a code as suggested because I can't log-in in the first place, that's why I've asked for support. I've also tried setting up an ID recovery but it asks for the lost phone number, and as I said I don't remember it. Seems like a pretty flawed verification system. How am I supposed to get it back, am I never going to be able to update my apps again?

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Answer 4

Vaal_ Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2018 5:44 AM in response to Eric Root

I don't have the trusted device, my trusted phone number is no longer reachable, I can't request a verification code because I can't log-in in the first place and the two-step verification is no good since this is a two-factor authentication.

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Answer 5

Aug 13, 2018 4:51 AM in response to Vaal_

Is this two factor authentication or two step verification? It sounds from your description as if it's two-step. For this you need two of three things: the password, the SMS containing the code sent to your trusted device(s), or the Recovery Key you were given when you start this up and were warned to keep safe.

So if you have lost the trusted device you can use the password and the Recovery Code to get into the account and choose a new trusted device. If you have also lost the Recovery Code then you cannot get into the account and Apple cannot help you: you needed to have kept it safe.

If on the other hand you are actually using two-factor authentication a code should be sent to all your logged-in devices. In that case, if you can't get it to work you should contact Support. Two-factor authentication does not by default have a recovery key but there is a recovery process:

Recover your Apple ID when you can’t reset your password - Apple Support

This is only for two-factor authentication, not two-step verification.

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Answer 6

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Aug 13, 2018 5:34 AM in response to Vaal_

See if this helps.

Apple ID - Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication

Apple ID - If you can‘t sign in with two-step verification

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Can't sign in Apple ID because of two factor verification

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