Unable to reset Apple ID security questions

In 2015 Apple transitioned to using two factor authentication instead of security questions. Since then Apple has been persistently encouraging users to switch to the more secure system. Apple allows you continue to use security questions if you already use them, but if you end up having problems then they no longer get direct support.

You can try the reset service at this link ➞ https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups&PGF=PGF63005

Select “Forgot Security Questions” then “Continue”

Additional reset methods are provided in this support article https://support.apple.com/HT201485 but the article is labeled "archived" and may contain information that no longer applies.

If resetting works then fine, but if it does not (e.g., you see “not enough information”*) then you will have no option but to change to the newer security method, if you can. For those who have disregarded Apple’s encouraging to change to two factor, Apple will likely only help you to now change to two factor authentication, if even that is possible. Follow the instructions in the "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID" section in this support article --> https://support.apple.com/HT204915 to try to change to two factor authentication.

If you still need help, contact Apple Account support If that does not work you can contact Apple support and service; click here ➔ https://support.apple.com/106932

If Apple cannot, or will not, help you transition to two factor authentication then it is quite possible you will have to simply abandon the old account and everything it contained. In that case, if you were using the Find My service, the Activation Lock support request support article at: - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support may at least let you regain use of your equipment. If not, you will also have to say goodbye to the device as well.

Good luck!

Access to certain levels of your account will require passing additional security checks. I can sign in here with just my regular account information, but if I want to change things such as a password then I have to pass additional security checks. As I said earlier, you didn't upgrade to the newer security method, nor, apparently, did you take the original security questions seriously. Unfortunately that has now resulted in you being locked out of that level of access with the account.

Conceivably you might be able to provide answers to questions which only an account owner might know but that is up to Apple when you contact them. This support page has information about contacting Apple support and service ➔ https://support.apple.com/106932 If live support options (chat and/or telephone) are available they will show near the bottom left.

- Telephone numbers may only work when calling from the same country.

- Chat options (telephone numbers appear as active links, not plain text) may depend upon cellular connectivity. If a number shows as an active link, click on it to see additional options.

- If chat is not available on the top level support page, try selecting your hardware and narrow down your issue to see if a support article offers a support link offering chat. For example, the contact support link on this page https://support.apple.com/119902#zerobalance offers a chat link about emptying account balance even on a computer where the top level page does not offer any chat.

With an iPhone, iPad, or Vision, you may be able to chat using the Apple Support App if it is available in your country —> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

The problem with 2 factor authentication is that in order to enable it, I am asked the security questions. Therefore I cannot enable 2FA.

The reset service takes me to the "reset security questions" page, that asks me to answer one of the (Japanese) questions so I can reset them... so I'm back to where I'm here.

I'll have to try calling the local Apple Support number, that when I asked for help on this matter here before (some years ago) didn't exist 🤔

But my fear is that they don't help me in this case... I don't want to abandon this account for my app history "purchases" (only free apps but still...)