Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If you can’t access any trusted phone number on your Apple Account, start recovery from the two-factor verification screen: choose “Didn’t Get a Code?” or “Can’t get to your devices?”, then select “Can’t use [phone number]” and follow the prompts. Apple says recovery may take a few days or longer, and contacting Apple won’t speed it up. Apple ID is now called Apple Account; existing accounts keep using the same sign-in details. Apple’s trusted-phone-number guidance explains the recovery route.

Start recovery when you can’t use any trusted number

Use the recovery option shown during sign-in rather than treating this as an ordinary password reset. The wording may vary slightly by screen, but Apple’s documented path is:

  1. Attempt to sign in to your Apple Account until the two-factor verification screen appears.
  2. Select “Didn’t Get a Code?” or “Can’t get to your devices?”.
  3. Choose “Can’t use [phone number]”.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to request account recovery and note any status or timing information Apple displays.

Apple says the wait can be a few days or longer, depending on the information available to verify your identity. That is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion time. Apple Support also states that contacting Apple cannot speed up the process.

Know which other recovery options apply

Several Apple options can help with a forgotten password, but they are not interchangeable with recovery when the trusted number is unavailable.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Option When it fits Limit
Trusted Apple device You can access a device already signed in to the account. Apple describes this as the easiest password-reset route. You need the trusted device and its passcode. Apple’s password instructions describe this option.
iforgot.apple.com You can use Apple’s web-based reset or recovery flow. Follow the explicit “Can’t use [phone number]” choice if you cannot access the trusted number. Apple may direct you to a trusted device when available, and web recovery can take longer. Open iforgot.apple.com.
Borrowed Apple device and Apple Support app You can use someone else’s Apple device and the Support app’s “Help Someone Else” route. Apple’s instructions for this route require access to the trusted phone number, so it is not a substitute when that number is unavailable. See Apple’s password-reset instructions.
Recovery contact You previously designated a recovery contact and can reach them. The contact can provide a recovery code but cannot access your account. This must have been configured before the lockout. Apple permits up to five recovery contacts. Learn about recovery contacts.
Recovery key You previously enabled the feature and still have the key and required verification access. It is not a no-phone bypass: Apple says it is used with a trusted phone number and an Apple device. Enabling it turns off standard account recovery, and losing the key can result in permanent lockout. Review Apple’s recovery-key guidance.

Protect the recovery request while you wait

Account activity during recovery can cancel the request. Follow the device-use instructions Apple gives you for the method you used to begin recovery:

  • If you started in Settings, System Settings, or the Apple Support app, Apple says you can continue using that specific device.
  • If you started recovery on the web, Apple’s guidance says to turn off devices signed in to the account until recovery is complete.
  • Avoid initiating another recovery request or using other signed-in devices in a way that interrupts the process.

Watch for Apple’s status instructions and use the recovery request’s stated timeline as your guide. Apple’s guidance on using account recovery when you can’t reset your password explains how device use can affect the request.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 1TB, Desert Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
  • 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
  • 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Reduce the chance of another lockout

After regaining access, add another trusted phone number if you can. Apple warns that relying on one iPhone as both your only trusted device and your only way to receive verification codes creates a lockout risk if it is lost or damaged. You can review Apple’s instructions for receiving verification codes and signing in with two-factor authentication.

If you set up a recovery contact, choose someone you know and trust. A recovery key is a separate, high-consequence choice rather than a general safety net: preserve it securely, and understand that turning it on disables standard account recovery. Apple’s recovery-key guidance describes a 28-character code, but having the key does not remove the trusted-phone-number requirement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$405.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Bestseller No. 5
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$631.81
Best Value
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
  • Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.