What can I do if an Apple Account recovery key is lost?
Answer
While you are still signed in on a trusted device, go to your Apple Account security settings and generate a new recovery key, or turn the feature off. Once you are locked out with no key and no trusted device, Apple cannot restore access — that is the deliberate trade-off of the feature.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- With a recovery key enabled and no key or trusted device, Apple cannot restore access to the account. Replace or disable it while you still can.
- Never give a recovery key or verification code to anyone who contacts you. Apple never asks for them.
Follow these steps
Check you are still signed in somewhere
On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in to the account, open Settings and confirm your name appears at the top.
You should see: You have a trusted device to work from.
Open the account security settings
Go to Settings, tap your name, then Sign-In & Security, and find the Recovery Key option.
You should see: The recovery key setting is visible.
Generate a replacement key
Choose to create a new recovery key, confirm with your device passcode, then write the new key down and store it somewhere physical and safe.
You should see: A new key is issued and the old one stops working.
Or turn the recovery key off
If you would rather not manage a key, switch the feature off. Account recovery then falls back to Apple's standard process.
You should see: The account no longer requires a recovery key.
Confirm your trusted contact details
While you are there, check the trusted phone numbers and email addresses are current.
You should see: Recovery options are ones you can actually receive.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether any device is still signed in to the account, and whether the trusted phone number on the account is one you can still receive texts on.
Before you change anything: Have the account password to hand, and a trusted device or phone number available to confirm the change.
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