How Can I Recover My Apple ID Without Trusted Phone Number? [Solved]
Locked out of your Apple ID and can't access your trusted phone number? You are not out of options.
- Fastest Way: Use the Apple Support app on a friend's device.
- Official Way: Use Apple's Account Recovery (Wait time: 3-14 days).
- Immediate Way: Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove the ID and regain use of your device (if you cannot wait).
Imagine this: You go to download an app or sign in to iCloud, and you are blocked. You need a verification code, but your trusted phone number is old, lost, or disconnected. You feel like you have lost the keys to your digital life.
When your trusted phone number is out of reach, standard two-factor authentication fails. But don't panic. In this post, I'll cover the official Apple methods to recover your account and a professional method to unlock your device immediately if you are stuck.
What Is a Trusted Phone Number?
A trusted phone number is a phone number that has been verified and can receive verification codes via SMS or phone calls. This number helps with two-factor authentication (2FA) , allowing you to receive codes to access your account or reset your password, especially when signing in on a new device or from an unfamiliar location.
If you lost your trusted phone number or cannot access to it, please don't worry. Next, I'll show you three ways to get Apple ID account recovery without trusted phone number.
Method 1: Use Apple Support App [Fastest Way]
Most users don't know this, but you can use a friend's iPhone to reset your password without downloading your data onto their device. This is often faster than the web method because the request comes from a trusted Apple device.
- Step 1. Borrow an iPhone or iPad from a friend or family member.
- Step 2. Open the Apple Support app. If you don't have it, please download it from the App Store.
- Step 3. Scroll down to Support Tools and tap Reset Password.
- Step 4. Tap Help Someone Else. This ensures you don't mess up their account. Then enter your Apple ID.
- Step 5. Follow the prompts. If asked for your phone number, enter the old trusted number. You do not need to answer the text; this is just to confirm you know the number. If the system trusts the device location, you might be able to reset your password instantly.
Method 2: Use iForgot Website [Official Way]
You don't have access to another Apple device? No problem. Apple's iForgot service is your standard web method to reset your password. Let me walk you through it, step by step.
Step 1 Head to iForgot
Open your browser on any iPhone or PC and navigate to iforgot.apple.com website. Hit Reset Password to kick things off. This will start the verification process for your account.
Step 2 Enter Your Apple Account
Your Apple Account is typically your email address. Punch that in and click Continue.
Step 3 Provide Your Phone Number
Even if your device isn't available, type in the last phone number associated with your account. This will open up further recovery options.
Step 4 Follow Apple's Lead
Hang tight for a moment. Apple will guide you through the next steps. If it prompts you to respond to a notification on your devices but you can't access any, click on Unable to access any of your devices?. Then follow the instructions and wait for the account recovery.
How Long Does Account Recovery Take?Once you submit an Account Recovery request, the hardest part begins: The Wait.
- Phase 1 (The Evaluation): Apple reviews your request for about 24 hours. You will receive an email telling you when the process will be complete.
- Phase 2 (The Countdown): This can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. Apple does this to ensure no one is trying to hack your account.
Warning: Do not try to use your device or sign in during this wait time. If you do, Apple will think you regained access and cancel the recovery.
Method 3: Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker [Quickest Way]
What if you can't wait 14 days? What if you bought a second-hand phone locked to someone else's ID, or you just want to wipe the slate clean and start over? Consider using a third-party tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.
TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a powerhouse when it comes to unlocking various iOS locks, including that pesky Apple ID issue you're stuck on. Whether you've forgotten your Apple ID password or need to bypass other types of iOS restrictions like screen locks or MDM limits, TunesKit has got your back. The interface? Super user-friendly. That means less hassle for you and a quicker way to regain control of your device.
Why Choose TunesKit iPhone Unlocker?
Reset forgotten Apple ID passwords effortlessly. Easy to use for anyone. Works with most iOS models and up-to-date with iOS 26.
600,000+ Downloads
Here's how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove the old Apple ID so you can create a new one. First, click Try It Free above to download and install the program on your computer.
Step 1 Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Connect your iOS device to your computer. Launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker and select Unlock Apple ID from the main menu. Hit the Start button to get rolling.
Step 2 Verify iOS Version
If your iOS version is is 14 or newer, TunesKit will prompt you to download a firmware package to help remove the Apple ID. If it's iOS 13 or older, you can skip straight to removing the Apple ID directly.
Step 3 Download Firmware Package (If Needed)
This step is only for those on iOS 14 or above. Double-check the details, make any necessary corrections, and hit Download to get the firmware.
Step 4 Reset Apple ID
Once the download wraps up, click Unlock. TunesKit will remove the old Apple ID from your device. After that, you're free to set up a new Apple ID and get back to using your iPhone like before.
FAQs Related to Apple Account Recovery
Here are some frequently asked questions about recovering an Apple ID account without a trusted phone number. These FAQs aim to address common concerns and provide a starting point for you.
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Can I recover my Apple ID if I forgot the phone number and the password?
If you cannot verify the trusted phone number by typing it in, Apple's official site will not let you proceed. In this case, your only option to remove the ID using a tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.
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Can I recover my Apple ID with just my email address?
Generally, no. Modern Apple IDs require two-factor authentication. Email alone is not enough to verify identity, as email accounts are easily compromised. You must verify the trusted phone number.
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Why does Apple make me wait so long?
The delay is designed to prevent identity theft. If a hacker knew your password and phone number, they could steal your account instantly. The delay ensures that if you are the true owner, you have time to receive a notification and stop the hacker before they get in.
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What if I found my old phone during the waiting period?
Turn it on and sign in! Successfully signing in with the correct password and 2FA code will automatically cancel the recovery request, and you will have immediate access again.
The Bottom Line
Losing your trusted phone number is a hassle, but it isn't the end of the road. If Apple's official methods are not working, or you forget your trusted phone number, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker would be your best choice. This is a professional tool to help you remove Apple ID, screen locks, Screen Time passcode, MDM locks, etc. Most importantly, it will help you solve all these annoying issues in clicks without any passwords. Now download it for free and have a shot!
