Level 1 (4 points)

Unable to sign in to Apple Account due to 'Too many codes sent' error

Hi everyone. I’ve run into a problem for the first time. I can't sign in to my Apple ID; I keep getting an error saying "Too many codes sent, try again later." I’ve waited one, two, and even three days, but nothing works. I bought a new iPhone and don't have access to the old one; the only way to sign in is via my phone number, but this error is preventing me from doing so. Has anyone else dealt with this? I need help. My account holds 10 years' worth of information and data.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Enter Apple ID

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 1:18 AM

2 replies

Limnos

Level 10 (462,771 points)

Oct 14, 2026 5:45 AM in response to shadow_company

Are you getting that message after waiting 3 days? Are you using the same phone number you were using before? If not and that old number was your trusted number then the code is being sent there. In that case you have to get a code by another means.

Based on: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support a code is sent automatically to your trusted devices (some other Apple computer or Apple mobile device signed in with your account). If you have a trusted device running iOS11 (or iPadOS) and later, macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) and later, or watchOS 4 and later, the verification code is displayed automatically on your trusted devices.

If you had set up an Account Recovery Contact ( Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account - Apple Support ) you can also get a code that way.

If you can’t sign in, access a trusted device or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. This article explains how to recover your Apple ID after a waiting period - If you forgot your password and can’t sign in to your Apple Account - Apple Support

Other things you may wish to read:

Apple Recommended (an older forum system whereby Apple officially designated a reply as likely containing a solution) reply by ASC contributor Eric Root:

Too Many Codes Sent - Apple Community -- "Normally, the wait time is 8 hours after the last notification."

and:

unable to get verification code for apple… - Apple Community

brbo

Level 8 (45,179 points)

Oct 14, 2026 2:31 AM in response to shadow_company

Re: "Unable to sign in to Apple Account due to 'Too many codes sent' error"

Seems the code always goes to the old phone's number ?

Wondering whether or not you have a trusted computer or other trusted device (iPad. Watch) on which to receive a verification code to use to enter into the new phone to complete sign-in to your Apple Account.

More info: About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices for Apple Account - Apple Support

and

to use a code from another trusted device to sign in on your phone:

See how to: Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support

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As a last resort:

There is always an account recovery process:

From the linked article above about "trusted" numbers / devices:

Eg; says:

"If you permanently don’t have access to either your trusted devices or your trusted phone number, you can still attempt to recover access to your account.

Try to sign in to your Apple Account.
Select “Didn’t Get a Code?” or “Can’t get to your devices?” on the verification code screen.
Choose “Can’t use [phone number]”.
If you don’t have access to any trusted phone number on file with your Apple Account, you can initiate the process to recover access to your account. Follow the onscreen steps.

Account recovery may take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. Contacting Apple can’t help speed up the process."

____________

Important info. for successful account recovery:

See: What to expect during account recovery - Apple Support

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375911