How do I unlock my Apple ID if I’ve forgotten the trusted phone number?

Has this iPad ever been linked to your personal Apple ID? If so, you might be able to access iCloud via a web browser and see if anything can be done from there.

Honestly, this sounds a bit unbelievable. You don’t have any acquaintances who might know your previous number? It feels like someone trying to access a locked account would say something similar. Your best bet is to work directly with Apple to regain access.

Unfortunately, there's no easy fix for this situation. To remove the activation lock, Apple typically requires the original purchase receipt rather than a resale one. Even if you could recover your account, you'd need to remember the trusted phone number. Can I ask how you ended up forgetting it in the first place? Maybe reach out to your old carrier; they might have records that can help you out.

The crucial step here is figuring out your old phone number. If you can recall it at all, you can use it for account recovery. Without at least some hint of the number, you're in a tough spot.