How do I regain an Apple ID and iPhone after switching devices and forgetting verification codes?
Answer
Recover the Apple ID first at iforgot.apple.com using a trusted phone number or recovery contacts. Then unlock or erase the iPhone with Apple’s official passcode-reset path and sign back in. Do not rely on a carrier return to remove Apple Activation Lock.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Erasing an iPhone deletes on-device data that was not already backed up to iCloud or a computer.
- Anyone asking you to read Apple verification codes aloud or install remote-access apps to unlock the account is using a scam.
Follow these steps
Recover the Apple ID officially
On a computer, open iforgot.apple.com, enter the Apple ID, and follow account recovery using a phone number or email you can access. Check spam folders for Apple messages and request codes only on Apple’s site.
You should see: The Apple ID password is reset, or Apple starts an account recovery wait with a clear status.
Use any remaining trusted device
If another Apple device is still signed into the same Apple ID, approve sign-in there or generate a temporary password/settings change from that trusted device.
You should see: Two-factor approval succeeds without needing the lost phone’s SMS.
Erase the locked iPhone if the passcode is unknown
On the locked iPhone, use Forgot Passcode / Erase iPhone after failed attempts, or restore in recovery mode from a computer. This erases local data.
You should see: The iPhone returns to the Hello setup screen.
Sign in through Activation Lock
During setup, enter the recovered Apple ID and password. Create a new passcode and re-enable Find My. If a returned phone still shows in the account, remove it from Devices after it is no longer in your possession and fully signed out/erased.
You should see: The current iPhone activates successfully under the recovered Apple ID.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Apple ID recovery options on iforgot.apple.com, Activation Lock prompts on the iPhone, and whether a trusted device or phone number can still receive Apple codes.
Before you change anything: Start with Apple ID recovery on a computer before erasing phones. List every phone number and email that might be recovery contacts. Expect on-device data loss if the screen passcode cannot be recovered. Never give verification codes to unexpected callers.
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