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vanyacosov
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple ID Account Recovery: SMS 'Too many verification codes sent' error.

Account Recovery completed and password changed, but stuck on "Too many verification codes sent" for SMS


Hello everyone,

I need help or advice regarding a 2FA lockout issue after a successful Account Recovery.


Here is the sequence of events:


  1. I initiated the Account Recovery process via iforgot.apple.com because my trusted device (Mac Pro) was no longer available and I needed to update my phone number.
  2. After waiting nearly two weeks for the process to complete, I successfully changed my Apple ID password and set a new trusted phone number.
  3. Now, when I try to sign in via a web browser (or account.apple.com), the system prompts for a 2FA code sent to the missing Mac Pro or offers to send an SMS.
  4. When I select SMS/phone option, I immediately get the red error: "Too many verification codes sent. Enter the last code received, use a trusted device, or try again later."
  5. I waited a full 3 days (over 72 hours) without attempting any logins to reset the throttle timer.
  6. However, upon my very first attempt after the 72-hour wait, the exact same error appeared instantly. Clicking "Don't have access to this number?" yields the same error.


Current status:


  • I am signed in on Apple Music on my Android device (works fine), but web logins and new devices are completely blocked by this prompt.
  • The new phone number is updated in the system, but the SMS gateway seems permanently throttled or stuck.
  • Official phone support in my region is unavailable.


Is there a known fix or a specific timeframe for this SMS rate limit to clear after Account Recovery? Or is there a way to trigger an automated call instead of an SMS when the web interface immediately shows "too many codes"?


Thanks in advance for any insights!

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 5:24 AM

2 replies

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

Oct 14, 2026 7:20 AM in response to vanyacosov

Hi there


Please try this


The "Too many codes" error is often portal-specific. You can try logging into less strict Apple web services to force the SMS window to clear or trigger an automated voice call instead: 


  • Try Apple Ads or Apple Developer: Go to Apple Search Ads or the Apple Developer Portal. Try signing in there with your Apple ID and password. Often, these portals use a different verification queue and will either successfully send the SMS or offer a "Call Me" voice option instead of text. 
  • Once you get the code through an alternate gateway and log in successfully, immediately open a new tab and go back to account.apple.com—it will often bypass the check entirely. 


vanyacosov Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 15, 2026 2:00 AM in response to WheelieNick

Hi WheelieNick,


Thanks for the quick response!


I just tried signing in through both Apple Ads and Apple Developer portal, but unfortunately, the result is the exact same. I immediately hit the same "Too many verification codes sent" error, and voice call option is not giving results.


It seems the rate limit or restriction is tied directly to my phone number/account at the backend level rather than being portal-specific.


Is there any known way to trigger a full hard reset of this phone number block, or does this mean the new trusted number itself might be flagged in Apple's SMS delivery system? What would be the best next step in this situation?

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376004