How to Recover Your Apple ID After Changing Your Linked Number

Apple's innovative ecosystem allows users to easily connect and share their lives with the people they care about. However, in situations where you've changed the phone number linked to your Apple ID, you might encounter difficulties accessing your account. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you regain control of your Apple account, whether you retain access to your email or not.

What to Do If You're Still Logged In

If you are still logged into an Apple device and wish to change your linked number or restore your original settings, here are the steps you can follow:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password Security on your Apple device. Tap on Phone Number. Follow the prompts to verify your identity and proceed with changing the number.

Recovering the Password If You've Changed the Linked Number

If you are unable to return to the device and need to recover the password, you'll need to know the new number to which it was changed. Here’s what to do:

Steps to Recover Your Apple ID

Visit the official page. Enter your Apple ID and click on Next. Select the option to change the phone number and enter the new number you've linked to. Follow the instructions to reset your password.

What to Do If You Don't Know the New Phone Number

If you can't determine the new phone number, following these steps can help:

Steps to Remove Your Apple ID from Your Phone

Go to Settings > Apple ID > Password Security on your device. Tap on Phone Number. Follow the prompts to remove the linked number.

Unfortunately, once the linked number is removed, you will not be able to regain access to your Apple ID account without Apple's intervention. Apple recommends reaching out to them immediately for assistance.

Contact Apple Support

Calling Apple Support is free and can help you regain access to your account. Here are the steps to follow:

Call Apple Support at the provided number. Provide your personal information and answer any security questions they may ask to verify your identity. Follow their instructions to reset access to your Apple ID iCloud account. After recovering your account, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to secure your Apple ID.

Understanding Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Apple ID, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your account. To enable 2FA:

Go to iCloud > Account Details > Sign-In Security. Turn on 2FA. Follow the prompts to add the required security measures, such as trusted devices and authentication codes.

By enabling 2FA, you’re ensuring that even if someone knows your password and has access to your linked phone number, they cannot log in without your specific permission.

Conclusion

Whether you've changed your linked number deliberately or due to a theft, understanding how to recover your Apple ID and enable 2FA is crucial. Regularly updating your security settings and maintaining vigilance over your account can prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of your personal information.