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My son has forgotten his Apple ID and password

My son has forgotten his apple id and password currently his phone is disabled, the answer to his security questions dont match so i cant unlock it. Can you help?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


Posted on Dec 23, 2022 10:50 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 23, 2022 12:13 PM

Hello,


It sounds like you're at a point where you need to reset his password and are being asked for security question answers which have also been forgotten. Try the directions in the article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support for resetting your security questions:

"Reset your security questions

1. Go to https://iforgot.apple.com/ .

2. Enter your Apple ID, then select Continue.

3. Choose the option to reset your security questions, then select Continue.

4. Enter your Apple ID password, then select Continue.

5. Follow the onscreen steps to verify your identity. The information you’re asked to provide may vary based on your account details and other factors. If you don't get any options to verify your identity, you can't reset your security questions at this time.

6. Choose new security questions and answers and select Continue. See our tips for choosing security questions and keeping your account secure ( Security and your Apple ID - Apple Support )."


If you get a message about not having 'sufficient information', you will not be able to reset your security questions.* Realize that several years ago Apple transitioned to using to two factor authentication instead of security questions and has been encouraging users to switch to the newer security system. Your next recourse will be try to change to two factor authentication as outlined in this article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support Follow the instructions in the section "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID"


If you still have problems then contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security using the information in this document --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support


*Dec. 2022 post by Apple Community Specialist K_Faith in the thread I’ve tried resetting my security question… - Apple Community

"If you’ve forgotten your security questions, there isn’t a way for Apple to reset them for you, or another way to access your account. You would need to create a new Apple ID, which also means you won’t have access to previous purchases or data stored in iCloud."


If you end up not getting access to the account again, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support




1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 23, 2022 12:13 PM in response to JoshMasching

Hello,


It sounds like you're at a point where you need to reset his password and are being asked for security question answers which have also been forgotten. Try the directions in the article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support for resetting your security questions:

"Reset your security questions

1. Go to https://iforgot.apple.com/ .

2. Enter your Apple ID, then select Continue.

3. Choose the option to reset your security questions, then select Continue.

4. Enter your Apple ID password, then select Continue.

5. Follow the onscreen steps to verify your identity. The information you’re asked to provide may vary based on your account details and other factors. If you don't get any options to verify your identity, you can't reset your security questions at this time.

6. Choose new security questions and answers and select Continue. See our tips for choosing security questions and keeping your account secure ( Security and your Apple ID - Apple Support )."


If you get a message about not having 'sufficient information', you will not be able to reset your security questions.* Realize that several years ago Apple transitioned to using to two factor authentication instead of security questions and has been encouraging users to switch to the newer security system. Your next recourse will be try to change to two factor authentication as outlined in this article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support Follow the instructions in the section "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID"


If you still have problems then contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security using the information in this document --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support


*Dec. 2022 post by Apple Community Specialist K_Faith in the thread I’ve tried resetting my security question… - Apple Community

"If you’ve forgotten your security questions, there isn’t a way for Apple to reset them for you, or another way to access your account. You would need to create a new Apple ID, which also means you won’t have access to previous purchases or data stored in iCloud."


If you end up not getting access to the account again, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).


*Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support




My son has forgotten his Apple ID and password

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