Are you locked out of your iPhone or iPad? Can’t sign in using your trusted Apple device? This guide shows you how to reset Apple ID password without trusted device or without your usual phone number.
It’s pretty common nowadays to get completely locked out of your Apple ID. There are a few reasons, but the most common is that you’ve gotten a new phone number and forgot to update your account. Or, maybe you’ve lost your device?
The most common recovery methods for it are to send a code to your trusted phone number or a pop-up on your iPad. But what happens when that’s completely useless now?
There is simply no way to retrieve that code, and the feeling of being locked out of your photos, notes, and app purchases is incredibly frustrating.
However, despite this, you shouldn’t panic. Luckily, Apple has a built-in last-resort process for exactly these situations. It’s not as instant as a text message, but with a little patience and the right information, you can prove your identity and reclaim your account. This guide will walk you through the official Account Recovery process step-by-step.
TIP – Remembering your Apple passwords or any other password is not always easy. This is specifically the case if you use more than one device and handle multiple accounts. In circumstances where you forget your Apple ID password and have to reset it, you can always use the best password manager to create strong passwords, store it in the vault, and then use the auto-fill option to sign in for you. FastestPass offers more options that make signing in easier and secure.
Understanding Why Apple’s Security Offers Another Recovery Process
Before we begin with how you can reset Apple ID password without trusted device, it’s crucial to understand why this process exists and why it can’t be fast. Your Apple ID is the main key to a vast amount of personal data.
Apple, in general, prioritizes protecting this data from unauthorized access above all else, keeping in mind that there have been several data breach situations in the past.
The Account Recovery process is intentionally created to be slow. This is because it requires specific information to prove, beyond a doubt, that you are the legitimate owner of the account. This process and the wait are a security feature designed to prevent hackers from executing attacks, even if they have some of your personal details.
Keep in Mind Before Resetting Apple ID Password Without Phone Number
Now, just before you begin to recover Apple ID without phone number, you need to double-check if you don’t have other ways to reset your Apple ID password. This guide is specifically for users who are opting for a last resort. So, before you proceed, here is what you should check:
- Use a trusted device: Do you have an old iPad in a drawer that’s still connected to your account? Charge it and see if the password reset prompt appears.
- Use your registered phone number: Double-check that you don’t have access to the number. Sometimes a family member may have the SIM card, or it might be working in an old phone.
Now, if none of these solutions work, then you can proceed towards Account Recovery.
How to Reset Apple ID Password Without Trusted Device or Phone Number
To begin the Apple ID Recovery process for your password, ensure that you’re connected to a working internet and use a suitable web browser. With that said, let’s get started:
- Open a web browser on another computer, a friend’s phone, or any device, and go to iforgot.apple.com. This is the official and only website you should use for this process.
- On the page, you will see a field to enter your Apple ID. This is the email address you use for your Apple account. Type it in and click “Continue.”
- You should now get a few standard reset options. Since you don’t have your trusted device, look for a different link. You should see an option that says “Can’t use any of these options?” or “Don’t have access to your trusted devices?” Click on that link.
- You should now see the option of “Start Account Recovery.” Apple may try to send a code to your old, unavailable number as a final check. After this fails or times out, you will be able to proceed.
- Next, Apple needs a way to contact you with updates and, most importantly, with the final approval to reset your password. You will be prompted to enter a new, working phone number where you can receive calls and texts. (This number does not become a trusted number until the process is complete; it is solely for communication during the recovery.) Enter the number carefully.
- After you submit your request, you will see a confirmation screen with an estimated wait time. This can take a few hours to several days. The duration is based on the specific information Apple has on file for your account.
- Do not close this browser window. Take a screenshot or write down the reference number it provides.
Once You’ve Processed an Apple ID Password
Now that you’ve tried to reset your Apple ID password without a trusted device, you will need to wait a bit for it to process. It’s not a very long wait, but during that time, here are a few things you can do:
- Monitor the status: You can check out the status of your request by going back to iforgot.apple.com and entering your Apple ID.
- Keep an eye out for notifications: Apple will send text updates to the phone number you provided.
- The “Stop Request” window: If you suddenly regain access to a trusted Apple device (for instance, you find your old iPad), you can stop the Account Recovery process immediately. A notification will appear on any device still signed into your account, allowing you to cancel the request and reset your password the normal way. This is a key security feature.
Regaining Access to Your Apple ID
Once you’ve followed all the steps and the waiting period ends. You will receive a text or call on the spare number you provided. Here’s what you should do to finish the process:
- The message you receive will contain a link or instructions on how to proceed with the final password reset. Follow all the instructions carefully.
- Now, you’ll be directed to the page where you can create a new Apple ID password. Ensure that the one you create is strong and unique. You can use the best password manager to help you create one and then store it there for future use.
- Lastly, since you now have a new password, you will be able to re-sign in to everything. This includes your iCloud, iMessage, App Store, etc.
FAQs – Reset Apple ID Password Without Trusted Device
Yes, it is safe, but not safer than without your trusted device. However, it’s the only other option you have if you’ve forgotten your trusted device password, misplaced your device, or don’t have your registered phone number that was linked to your Apple ID. If you’ve lost your phone number and want to reset your Apple ID, head to appleid.apple.com or iforgot.apple.com. You then enter your Apple ID and follow the rest of the onscreen instructions. The process is not difficult, but ensure that you patiently cover all the steps. If you’re cannot reach your trusted devices or receive a verification code, you’ll first have to try sending the code sent to a trusted phone number. Look for options like “Didn’t get a code?” during the sign-in process. If this approach fails, you’ll need to begin account recovery through Apple’s official recovery website. However, before you begin, you need to be aware of the fact that the verification process takes a little longer to confirm your identity before restoring access. For Apple accounts specifically, you might be able to use a Recovery Key if you created one in your account settings beforehand. If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, you can use the settings from your trusted device to reset it. You can alternatively go to the Apple website or try calling Apple Support for further assistance. It is the official Apple page to recover Apple IDs. You can use this wesbite to reset your Apple IF passwords or to unlock locked accounts. This is one of the best ways to recover accounts.
To Conclude
Losing access to your digital assets or data is extremely unsettling, especially since literally everything revolves around our Smartphones and PCs. However, Apple’s Account Recovery is one of the most efficient security benefits. If you follow all of the steps on how to reset Apple ID password without trusted device, carefully and patiently, you can successfully regain control of your account.
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