What is the purpose of Apple's extended account recovery period? Does the waiting period mean there's a chance the account still won't be recovered, and what does the automated system actually do that a support employee couldn't handle? It seems like showing identification in person or arranging an appointment would be simpler, especially when the recovery system can find an account using an email address or phone number that support agents cannot locate.
2 Answers
The delay is mainly a security feature. If someone steals your device and starts account recovery, the waiting period gives the real owner time to cancel the request and regain control. Having employees override the process would make it easier for social engineering, bribery, or other account-compromise schemes to work. The system is intentionally cautious because you apparently can’t provide enough trusted proof of ownership through the normal methods.
During account recovery, avoid using devices that are still connected to the account if possible. Any activity from a trusted device may cause the recovery request to be canceled because the system assumes the account owner has regained access. The same general approach is used by other major account providers: if ownership can’t be verified immediately, they add a waiting period so a legitimate owner has time to intervene.
That makes sense for an actively used account, but it’s less helpful when the account has had no activity for years and the recovery system is the only place that can identify the old email or phone number.
I understand the stolen-device scenario, but it still feels excessive when someone could show identification at a store. In my case the account has been inactive for years, and I created it only for an Apple Card application. I also couldn’t use a newer device because my phone number and email were still connected to that old account.