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Nouman_hayat
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Locked out of iPhone and MacBook after logging out — Apple ID won't send OTP to any number (but browser login works)

Hey everyone, I’m stuck in a really frustrating Apple ID loop and need some advice.


I recently logged out of my Apple ID on both my iPhone and my MacBook. Now, I am completely unable to log back into either device as the primary account because Apple is failing to send the OTP (One-Time Password) / SMS verification code to my phone number.


Here is the weird part and what I’ve tried so far:


  • Browser login works fine: I can log into discussions.apple.com via a web browser without any issues.

  • Trusted devices are gone: Because I logged out of both the Mac and iPhone, I can't receive the standard 6-digit pop-up verification code on my devices.

  • Account Recovery loop: When I click "Didn't get a code?" and choose the option for when your phone number is inaccessible, it takes me through verification steps. I successfully verify my email and my linked credit card.

  • The final roadblock: Right after verifying my card, Apple asks me to provide a trusted phone number to proceed. But when I enter my number (or even try a completely new number), Apple still fails to send the OTP to it. It just gets stuck.



[Edited by Moderator]




Posted on Sep 19, 2026 2:01 AM

2 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Sep 20, 2026 2:32 PM in response to Nouman_hayat

Hi there

Please try this


Use the Web Portal: Navigate to iforgot.apple.com on your browser where your login already works.

Initiate Account Recovery: Select the option to reset your password or recover your account when you do not have access to your trusted device or phone number.

Avoid Other Devices: Turn off your iPhone and Mac or keep them completely disconnected from the internet while the account recovery request is processing. Using another active device with the same Apple ID can cancel or reset the recovery timer. 

Check Your Email: Apple will send an update via email with a specific time frame (which can take a few days) detailing when you will regain access. 

Contact Support: If the web recovery page remains frozen after entering your credit card details, reach out directly through Apple Support to verify your identity via alternative manual methods.

Nouman_hayat Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Sep 30, 2026 12:15 PM in response to Nouman_hayat

Just use same number as the hotspot and connect to that hotspot and it work

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256360324