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I need help with my device I don’t remember my password or email

I gave my iPhone 11 to my son he doesn’t remember the password or email he used for it

iPhone XR, iOS 16

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 5:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 6:07 PM

I thought you said it was your son who had forgotten those things.


There is no way for Apple to tell you what your Apple ID is if you do not know it. Once you know your ID (try various email addresses you have used) you can attempt to reset the password.


Two general approaches:


1) You work at getting the account(s?) working again. This is the best one since it is the least disruptive and ends up with you having working accounts(s?) in the bargain.


2) You ask Apple to reset the device. This will erase the device and you're still stuck with at least one non-working account.

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 many 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 first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer). Note that while this will let you get use of the device again, it will not help you with lost access to an account.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 7, 2023 6:07 PM in response to voncelle193

I thought you said it was your son who had forgotten those things.


There is no way for Apple to tell you what your Apple ID is if you do not know it. Once you know your ID (try various email addresses you have used) you can attempt to reset the password.


Two general approaches:


1) You work at getting the account(s?) working again. This is the best one since it is the least disruptive and ends up with you having working accounts(s?) in the bargain.


2) You ask Apple to reset the device. This will erase the device and you're still stuck with at least one non-working account.

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 many 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 first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer). Note that while this will let you get use of the device again, it will not help you with lost access to an account.

Jun 7, 2023 5:35 PM in response to voncelle193

This document tells you the various ways you can try to discover your forgotten Apple ID --> If you forgot your Apple ID email address or phone number - Apple Support Note that typically this is an email address you use.


This document outlines what to do If you forgot your Apple ID password --> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support


or go directly to this link --> http://iforgot.apple.com/


If you still need help:

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security "This article provides country-specific Apple Support contact information for customers seeking help with their Apple ID password or other security-related issues." Click here --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support


Typically an Apple ID is an email address you have used. If you are currently using a mobile device that is logged into your account, go to Settings and tap your name at the top. Also look in Keychain, and in a browser's security settings if you use it to automatically sign into Apple when using a browser.

I need help with my device I don’t remember my password or email

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