I'm trying to regain access to an iCloud account I lost access to a while ago. I no longer have the trusted phone number because my old phone was reset and passed on, and the recovery email is another iCloud address that I also can't access. When I try to sign in, the account says it's locked and directs me to account recovery. I have the debit or credit card details associated with the account, but the verification step doesn't seem to accept the card's security code, possibly because the card is no longer active. I'm worried that any recovery updates will be sent to the inaccessible email address. Has anyone dealt with this situation, and what should I expect from the recovery process?
3 Answers
Account recovery can take days, but if the request is approved, you should eventually be able to reset the password and regain access. Keep checking the official recovery-status page during the waiting period, especially if you can’t receive messages at the old phone number or email address.
Providing payment details can sometimes speed up account recovery, but it isn’t necessarily mandatory. If the card is inactive or the verification fails, continue with the other available recovery options and wait for the status update. The process can take several days, so not receiving immediate access doesn’t necessarily mean the request was rejected.
The card verification appears to be optional and may only shorten the recovery wait rather than being required to start recovery. Look carefully for an additional option in smaller text if the card method doesn’t work. Account recovery usually has two stages: an initial evaluation period of up to about 72 hours, followed by a longer waiting period before the password can be reset. After the first stage, check the recovery status through Apple’s account-recovery website instead of relying only on the inaccessible email. When the waiting period ends, follow the instructions promptly, since waiting too long could require starting recovery again.
That clears up most of my confusion. I’ll check the recovery status again in a day or two and see whether it has moved to the next stage.
Thanks for explaining that. I was worried the failed card check meant there was no way to continue.