Apple ID Account Recovery Without Your Old Phone Number

Lost the phone number on your Apple ID account? You can usually still get in with your email, a backup code or a device where you are signed in. Here is the order to try, and how to stop it happening again.

Why Apple ID still asks for the old number

Apple uses trusted phone numbers as a backup for two-factor codes when none of your devices can show them. Apple asks for a trusted phone number when you create an Apple Account with two-factor authentication. When you sign in on a new device or reset the password, Apple ID sends the code to the number on file, not to the phone you are holding.

What you still have decides the route

Ways back in, in order

1. A device where you are still signed in. Open Apple ID there and change the phone number first; it is the fastest fix.
2. Email. Choose the option to get the code or reset link by email, and check spam.
3. Backup codes or an authenticator app. If you saved them when you set up two-factor, use one now.
4. Apple ID's recovery form or support. Expect to answer questions about the account or show ID. Send one request and wait; several at once can slow it down.

On Apple ID

Account recovery runs at iforgot.apple.com and can take several days, unless you set up a recovery key or recovery contact. Two-factor codes appear on your signed-in Apple devices first; trusted phone numbers are the fallback. You can add more than one trusted phone number in Sign-In & Security.

If you only changed your number

Add the new number in Apple ID while the old one still works, and remove the old one afterwards. Carriers give unused numbers to new customers after a while, so an old number left on the account can end up with a stranger.

Stop it happening again

• Add a recovery email and keep it verified.
• Turn on two-factor with an authenticator app and store the backup codes offline.
• Keep at least one device signed in.
• Do not put a one-time number on an account you need to recover. If you use a second number, rent it and add an email too.

FAQ

Can I recover Apple ID without my phone number?

Usually yes: through a signed-in device, your email, backup codes or Apple ID's recovery form.

What if I lost access to my email too?

Use Apple ID's recovery form or support, and expect to prove the account is yours. It takes longer, so answer carefully and send one request.

How long does Apple ID account recovery take?

Email and backup-code recovery is instant; recovery forms can take hours to several days.

Can a new number receive my Apple ID recovery code?

No. Apple ID sends codes to the number already on the account. Add the new number after you are back in.

Can I get my old number back from the carrier?

Sometimes, if you contact the carrier soon after losing it; after a few months it may be given to someone else.

Will Apple ID support recover the account for me?

Support follows the same checks as the recovery form, so have proof of ownership ready, such as the account email, old passwords or payment details.

Related: Apple ID number · Apple ID without your number · Apple ID two-factor codes · apple id verification code not received · verification code not received on any app.