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Danielbenjahmin
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Unable to recover Apple Account after theft without trusted number

Title: Unable to Recover Apple Account After Phone Theft


My iPhone was stolen, and the thief remotely erased my MacBook. I know my Apple Account email and password, but I cannot access two-factor authentication because my trusted phone number is no longer available. As an international model, I’ve changed numbers frequently over the years.

I’ve tried Apple’s recovery process and contacted Apple Support without success.

I still have my MacBook, my credit card is linked to the account, and I can prove my identity and ownership.

Is there any way to recover my account without the old phone number? I cannot afford to lose years of photos, documents and professional files stored in iCloud.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on Oct 31, 2026 8:51 PM

3 replies

TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Oct 31, 2026 8:59 PM in response to Danielbenjahmin

"Unable to recover Apple Account after theft without trusted number: [...]Is there any way to recover my account without the old phone number? I cannot afford to lose years of photos, documents and professional files stored in iCloud. Any help would be greatly appreciated."

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Recovering your Account:



Use a Recovery Code:

Did you ever create a recovery code? If so, use it: Set Up a Recovery Key for your Apple Account - Apple Support


Account Recovery Time:

So, make a request for account recovery so that you can get back into it. It will take some time - How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Oct 31, 2026 9:17 PM in response to Danielbenjahmin

"No I never made this recover code. Only the phone number."

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Recovering your Account:



A. Add a Trusted Device:

Just let it be, as you might get locked out for up to 90 days. There is time to wait, and there should be time amount shown. As for this phone, it's number needs to be a Trusted Device, (which it appears it is). So, try adding another device. So, as mentioned in a previous reply, use screensharing while on the phone, and ask Apple to run you through adding a trusted device...Add or Remove Trusted Devices on Mac - Apple Support


B. Contact Apple Support and show them this thread through screensharing your iPhone. Have then change the phone number to what it should be. But, this time...

Screenshare with the Apple Rep:

To easily show the Apple Rep what is going on here, request a prompt for a screensharing session with the Apple Rep. That will allow them to see this firsthand, and upfront. Show this user through screensharing your Mac. Show them any paperwork or hover over your Mac's screen, through screensharing your iPhone.

Learn More at my User Tips: 

Apple Phone Support Use Info:


moreover...

C. Report Items to Apple and Others:

Also, report phone call's and messages info to Apple through use of screenshots. There are many you can report this to, from Apple, to Law enforcement, and others. In doing so, you are helping all those around the globe, as items will be archived for further investigation, hopefully leading to guilt.

Use my User Tips:

Danielbenjahmin Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 31, 2026 9:05 PM in response to TheLittles

No I never made this recover code. Only the phone number.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256386757