User level: Level 1 (4 points)I have an Apple Account, I know the credentials, can see the trusted-device list, but I no longer have access to the old devices or their passcodes.
The trusted number associated with this account, the one that gets the text messages so I can login to my email, will soon no longer be available to me. I have a new phone number that I'd like to set up as the new 2FA.
However since I have no trusted devices logged into that account I cannot change my 2FA.
What should I do?
Posted on Nov 2, 2026 10:48 AM
User level: Level 10 (242,520 points)Nov 2, 2026 1:44 PM in response to Lizann418
You don't need available trusted devices to change the trusted Phone number for your Apple Account.
All you need is to log in to your account at https://account.apple.com and update the trusted phone number there.
click here ➜ About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices for Apple Account - Apple Support
Also, if you no longe have any of the devices that are logged in to your account, you should consider removing them from https://icloud.com/find.
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)Nov 2, 2026 12:43 PM in response to Lizann418
If your phone number is trusted and still works then you can get a code there.
Based on Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support and About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices for Apple Account - 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. It is not sent by email.
If you don’t have a trusted device handy, you can choose to have a verification code sent to your trusted phone number as a text message or phone call.
1. Select “Didn’t Get a Code?” or “Can’t get to your devices?” on the verification code screen.
2. Choose a telephone number for where to receive a code.
3. You'll get a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code. A text message might include an additional domain validation line. This line includes the @ symbol, the website name, and your code (for example: @icloud.com #123456 %apple.com).
4. Enter the code on your other device to complete sign in.
If you did not get a code on your telephone:
- Is your phone number listed at Settings > [name on top] > Sign in & Security > Two Factor Authentication?
- Are you able to receive other SMS messages (green)?
- If you see. “Verification codes cannot be sent to this phone number at this time. Please try again later,”:
1) Wait a few hours and try again. Maybe it really does mean not at this particular time.
2) Use this link to check the status of Apple’s various services and servers —>
Apple - Support - System Status
3) Disable entirely any VPN you are using.
4) Try clicking on, “Cannot use this number?”
- From: Suddenly not getting texts for two factor… - Apple Community
Q: Suddenly not getting texts for two factor authentication on iPhone
A: Reset network settings:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
If the phone used as a trusted device is not working, try moving the SIM or eSIM to a different phone so you can get a code there.
It is a good idea to have more than one trusted number.
If you had set up a recovery contact, read Get a recovery code for a friend or family member as their Apple Account recovery contact - Apple Support
If you can’t sign in or receive verification codes you can request account recovery to regain access to your account [see that information in this support article If you forgot your password and can’t sign in to your Apple Account - Apple Support ]. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.
Here are links to posts by Community contributors which provide additional detail about the account recovery process and what to do if you do not receive a text or call: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community and How can I reset my Apple Account password? - Apple Community and How to delete Apple ID when you can't log… - Apple Community This thread outlines the multi-step process and final recovery —> My Apple ID is locked, how do I fix it? - Apple Community , and this one about things you should and should not do while waiting —> How can I recover my Apple ID after multi… - Apple Community This is a very long user contributed document about account recovery —> Apple Account Recovery: Complete Step-by-… - Apple Community
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256387688