Apple Account security questions changed to Chinese, cannot enable Two-Factor Authentication

Several years ago Apple transitioned to using two factor authentication instead of security questions. You can continue to use security questions if you already use them and they are working for you, but if you have problems then they no longer get direct support. You can try the directions in this support article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support but the article is labeled "archived" and may contain information that no longer applies. If the instructions work then fine; if they do not (e.g., you see “not enough information”*) then you will have no option but to change to the newer security method, if you can. Over the past few years Apple has been persistently encouraging users to switch to the newer two factor authentication security system. For those who have disregarded their encouraging, Apple will likely only help you to now change to two factor authentication, if even that is possible. Follow the instructions in the "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID" section in this support article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support to try to change to two factor authentication.

If you still need help, contact Apple Account support at this link ➞ https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups&PGF=PGF63005

Select "Other Apple Account Topics", then "Security concerns or account compromised." This will give you a chat or telephone call option.

If Apple cannot, or will not, help you transition to two factor authentication then it is quite possible you will have to simply abandon the old account and everything it contained. In that case, if you were using the Find My service, the Activation Lock support request support article at: - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support may at least let you regain use of your equipment. If not, you will also have to say goodbye to the device as well.

Good luck!

*More about identity verification problems here —> Cannot Reset Security Questions - Apple Community

This is a user-to-user forum. Apple may or may not read postings here, and only very seldom replies.

If this follows a common pattern in recent times, account takeovers involve accounts with weak security and weak passwords, and password reuse.

Add a virtual payment card with a very low spending limit, and (try to) use that virtual payment card info to (try to) claw back control of this account during recovery.

Details on this last-chance account clawback attempt: iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Account Secur… - Apple Community

It is trivial to take over all accounts with re-used passwords and no two-factor authentication, just as soon as one use of that account and password anywhere leaks. If that combination describes anybody reading this now or in the future, fix this soonest. New and unique passwords for all accounts, and two-factor where available.

PS: if you can claw back enough access to enable two-factor authentication here, and the verify and update the trusted telephone numbers, I’d also enable a Recovery Key for at least two weeks.

This recovery key should block the folks controlling your account now from re-compromising the account using he security questions.

Do not lose this recovery key!

After the two week window when the account security questions no longer work (disabling two-factor), then you can remove the recovery key, and revert to allowing Apple to assist with forgotten passwords.