I use two iPhones with separate Apple Accounts. I recently changed the passcode on my iPhone 16 Pro Max, but because I normally unlock it with Face ID, I completely forgot the new passcode. I also don't remember the password for the Apple Account linked to the phone. Account recovery is protected by a recovery key, but unfortunately I saved the recovery key and other passwords in the Notes app on the locked iPhone.
I understand that erasing the phone may still leave it protected by Activation Lock, which would require the linked Apple Account credentials. I bought the phone with cash from an authorized Apple reseller in February 2025, but I no longer have the box or receipt. The store couldn't find the transaction under my name or my boyfriend's name.
What options do I have? Is there any legitimate way to recover the Apple Account, retrieve the phone's serial number or IMEI while it's locked, or prove ownership and use the phone again?
3 Answers
If a recovery key is enabled, Apple generally requires that key or access to an already trusted device before it will let you reset the Apple Account password. If the key and all trusted devices are inaccessible, Apple may not be able to recover the account. There isn’t a bypass for the passcode or recovery-key protection.
You may be able to find the IMEI or serial number from the original purchase records, carrier account, Apple Account device list, cellular provider, or the box if it turns up. The lock screen may also show an information button after an erase, depending on the device state. The reseller should search by date, store location, payment records, phone number, email address, device model, or transaction details rather than only by customer name.
Ask the store to escalate the search to its accounting or customer-support team and request a duplicate invoice or sales record. A bank or cash-withdrawal record may help establish the approximate purchase date, but it may not be enough by itself for Activation Lock removal.
A factory reset will remove the forgotten passcode, but it won’t remove Activation Lock. After erasing the phone, setup will still require the Apple Account previously associated with it. Apple or the reseller can only consider an Activation Lock removal request if you can provide acceptable proof of purchase; they cannot unlock the phone just because you know the device belongs to you.
It’s worth checking every possible trusted device, browser password manager, printed document, cloud backup, or physical storage location for the recovery key before erasing anything. If another device is still signed in, use it to manage the account and change the password.
I understand now that saving the key only in the locked phone was a serious mistake. I’m still hoping there’s some other official way to regain access.