Level 1 (4 points)

Delete Apple account without 2FA (mobile number inactive/deleted)

I want to delete my dad's apple account. He passed about 1.5 yrs ago, and the last few months we have been clearing some of his old stuff. Also, his iPhone and cellular account.

I have access to his Apple ID (username and pw). His phone has already been reset/deleted, his mobile number has been deactivated/cancelled last summer. As such he cant receive 2FA notification. I cant signin to his account through Apple’s Data & Privacy website -> Signin -> Request account deletion.

What options are there left to delete his account?

Posted on Oct 13, 2026 3:05 AM

3 replies

Limnos

Level 10 (462,771 points)

Oct 13, 2026 3:12 AM in response to DeBroeze

For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> Request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support

Apple says:

"While we may also be able to help remove Activation Lock from devices that use your loved one’s original Apple ID, their iPhone, iPod, and iPad will need to be restored to factory settings before they can be used with another Apple ID. Please note that devices locked with a passcode are protected by passcode encryption, and Apple can't help remove the passcode lock without erasing the device."

DeBroeze Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 13, 2026 11:33 AM in response to Limnos

Thanks! When I follow the link ‘https://digital-legacy-account.apple.com/‘ and click ‘Start a request to delete a deceased person’s Apple Account on Apple’s Digital Legacy’, it requires me to login. But I don’t want delete my own account.

when I try to login with my dads account, it says I can’t. It seems I’m in a loop hole of some sort?

DeBroeze Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 26, 2026 5:39 AM in response to Limnos

Some time has passed and still no reply that answers my issue/questions.

Reagrding the links from Limnos' reply: When I follow the link ‘https://digital-legacy-account.apple.com/‘ and click ‘Start a request to delete a deceased person’s Apple Account on Apple’s Digital Legacy’, it requires me to login. But I don’t want delete my own account. I want to delete my deceased dad's account.

When I try to login with my dads account, it says I can’t (2FA doesnt work anymore). It seems I’m in a loop hole of some sort, can anyone help me?

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375349