One of the most prevalent and popular precautions has been the introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA). For the unaware, 2FA requires a second input from the user whenever signing into your account.

Thankfully, Apple has joined the movement in recent years in an effort to keep Apple ID’s protected. However, there are sometimes where you forget your password, don’t have your device handy, and are locked out.

We are going to take a look at what you can do in the event that you are locked out and can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID password.

What to do if 2FA is not available?

From time to time, you may run into a situation where the 2FA method is not available. Apple has included a few different ways for you to still be able to log into your account.

Account Recovery

If you have already exhausted the other methods of accessing your account, you may feel helpless. Luckily, there is one more option for you to try before you give up altogether.

As expected, you can apply for account recovery from either your iOS or macOS device. In order to request account recovery on your iOS device, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select Sign into your device.

3. Tap Don’t have an Apple ID or forgot it.

4. Tap Forgot Apple ID.

5. Enter your Apple ID and tap Next.

6. Enter the phone number associated with your account.

7. Follow the onscreen steps.

If you need to request Account Recovery from your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences.

2. Select iCloud.

3. Click Forgot Apple ID or password.

4. Enter the phone number associated with your account.

5. Follow the onscreen steps.

Now You have to wait for fews days. Once the process has been completed, you will receive either a text message or phone call. 

Get your account back quicker

As we stated above, it’s obviously not ideal to be locked out of your Apple ID for more than a few days. Apple also makes it possible for you to try to speed up the account recovery process.

In order to do this, you will need to have the same credit card that’s on file with Apple, on-hand. From there, you can head over to iforgot.apple.com and look for an option to confirm your credit card details.

If you are given this option, you will be able to enter your card information and speed up the process. However, if you are continually prompted to enter security information, you’ll need to contact the card issuer.

There’s no telling exactly how much quicker entering your card information is. Nonetheless, it is another step that you can take to try to speed things up a bit.

Source: idb