I used an Apple Account with an iPhone 6s back in 2018. Yesterday I received notices saying that the account password, date of birth, and security questions had all been changed. My email address is still attached, so I was able to start a password reset, but signing in now requires answers to security questions written in Chinese that I don't recognize. I'm worried the attacker could change the password again or access old data. What can I do to regain control, lock the account, or permanently delete it?
2 Answers
Account deletion may be difficult if Apple can’t verify you as the owner using the account’s current security information. Start with Apple’s official account-recovery process and be prepared to provide any original account or purchase details you still have. If ownership can’t be verified, Apple may not allow the account to be deleted.
After resetting the password through Apple’s official recovery page, try signing in on a current iPhone or iPad. Newer versions may use two-factor authentication instead of the old security-question system. If you can get in, enable two-factor authentication, review the trusted phone numbers and devices, remove anything unfamiliar, and then sign out. You can also use Apple’s privacy and account-management page to request deletion, although Apple may still require additional ownership verification. If you don’t have access to a compatible device, an Apple Store or authorized service provider may be able to help you use one for the recovery process.
That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m mainly hoping there isn’t anything important still stored in the account.