How do I change the trusted phone number that receives Apple verification codes?
Answer
On an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you can usually add a new trusted phone number in your Apple Account sign-in and security settings, then remove the old number on account.apple.com. Keep at least one trusted device or working number before you remove anything.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Removing a trusted phone number before you have another working trusted device or number can lock you out of your Apple Account. Apple's guide notes that if your iPhone is the only trusted device and the only one with access to the trusted number, you may be unable to get codes if it is lost or damaged.
- Change trusted phone numbers only in your device's Settings or on account.apple.com. Ignore messages with links that ask you to confirm a code or change your number.
Follow these steps
Open the trusted phone number settings
Sign in to your own Apple Account on the device you use most. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, choose Sign-In & Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication, as described in Apple's guide to trusted phone numbers. On a Mac, choose System Settings, click your name, then open Sign-In & Security and Two-Factor Authentication. Menu names can shift slightly between software versions.
You should see: You see the Two-Factor Authentication screen, with your trusted devices and trusted phone numbers listed.
Add the new phone number
On the iPhone or iPad, tap Add Trusted Phone Number below the list of devices and phone numbers. On a Mac, scroll down and click Add Trusted Phone Number. Enter the new number and follow the prompts to verify it.
You should see: The new number appears in the trusted phone number list alongside the old one.
Check the new number before removing the old one
Keep the phone for the new number nearby and make sure it is switched on and has a signal. Do not remove the old number until the new one is listed and you know you can still reach a trusted device if a code is needed.
You should see: You are confident the new number can receive codes, and you still have another way to sign in if something goes wrong.
Remove the old number on the web
Once the new number works, go to account.apple.com in a browser, sign in, click Sign-In and Security, then choose Account Security. In the Trusted Phone Number section, find the old number and remove it. Apple's guide describes adding and removing numbers in this section on the web.
You should see: The old number no longer appears in the Trusted Phone Number section, and the new number is still listed.
If you cannot sign in or get codes
Stop making changes. If you cannot sign in, reach a trusted device, reset your password or receive codes, use Apple's official support site to find its account recovery process. Do not start recovery from a link in a text, email or call you did not expect.
You should see: You know whether you can still change the number yourself, or you have started the official recovery process from Apple's own site.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The Trusted Phone Number list under Two-Factor Authentication or Account Security, and whether the old number is still listed there.
Before you change anything: Make sure you are signed in to your own Apple Account and that you know its sign-in email. Keep a trusted device you still control nearby, and have your device passcode ready, since Apple asks for it before some changes. If your iPhone is your only trusted device, consider adding a second trusted phone number that is not tied to that iPhone. Do not share any verification code with anyone who calls, texts or messages you about this change.
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