Updated on 2025-05-20
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5min read
When you sign in from a new device or change anything sensitive in your Apple ID, Apple asks for more than just a password. A one-time six-digit code is sent to your trusted devices or numbers to make sure it’s really you. However, the frustrating part is Apple doesn’t let you choose where that code goes. It simply sends the six-digit prompt to whatever it thinks is best. If your phone isn’t nearby, like when you’re travelling or switching devices, things can get confusing fast.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to get an Apple ID verification code without a phone by using other trusted devices. And if you’ve lost access to your Apple ID entirely, we’ll introduce you to Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a recovery tool that will help you remove Apple ID from your device and start fresh with a new login.
FAQs About Apple ID Verification Code
These FAQs are intentionally written to clear up the most common doubts on Apple ID Verification Code. So you can skip unnecessary back-and-forth with Apple Support.
Where Do I Enter Apple ID Verification Code?
You’ll see the one-time code prompt when signing in to your Apple ID from a new device or browser. That means setting up a device, accessing iCloud, or even buying an app from Safari or Chrome on your own Mac or a public one. Apple just wants to first confirm that it’s really you before unlocking sensitive data.
Once a device is marked as trusted, you won’t see the prompt again. Still, the first time, that 6-digit code is essential. Without it, the access will stay restricted.
Can I Get My Apple ID Verification Code Sent to My Email?
No, because email can easily be signed on the same device you’re signing in from. Plus, email accounts are far easier to compromise.
However, you will receive Apple ID alerts in your email inbox, like when a new sign-in is detected.
Why Do I Receive an Apple ID Verification Code But Didn’t Request It?
Apple doesn’t send login codes at random. If you’re seeing an unexpected access prompt, it usually means someone else is trying to sign in with your Apple ID.
When such a prompt appears, you’ll see a pop-up with a map with the Allow or Don’t Allow option. Always tap Don’t Allow to reset the Apple ID password immediately. Or, you can update the password manually via accounts.apple.com.
How to Get Apple ID Verification Code Without Phone
As long as a trusted device or verified phone number is nearby, you can easily receive the 6-digit login code and continue, whether you’re signing in, approving a device, or managing your account.
So, what exactly counts as“trusted”?
Any Apple device already signed in with the same Apple ID you’re trying to access. And for phone numbers, it must be one linked to your Apple account, either automatically synced or manually added at accounts.apple.com.
No matter which method you lean on, make sure the device or number is connected to the internet. That’s essential. Just know: Apple doesn’t let you pick where the code appears. It’s often sent to the last active device. So when the last active trusted device isn’t iPhone, you can directly receive the code from the device screen. If the code is sent to a trusted iPhone that can’t be accessed currently, you will have to retrieve it manually with other devices. Of course, we’ll show the steps.
That said, here are the options available to you.
Option 1. Through Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch is running watchOS 2 or up, it can serve as a trusted device if it’s online, even without direct pairing to your iPhone.
When you sign in with the same Apple ID elsewhere, your watch will display a small map with the approximate access point. Tap Allow and a confirmation number will appear right on your wrist.
Not seeing the prompt? Open Settings on the watch, tap your name, go to Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication. Then, choose Get Verification Code manually. A fresh access token will appear instantly.
Option 2. Via iPad
iPads running iPadOS 9 or later and signed in with the same Apple ID verified through two-factor authentication work seamlessly as trusted devices. As long as the device is connected and recently active, you’ll see the login prompt flash across the screen with a map preview. Just tap Allow to reveal the verification key.
You can also head to Settings and tap Get Verification Code to get the code manually.
Option 3. Use Mac
The same goes for your Mac. If it’s running macOS El Capitan or later and signed in with your Apple ID, it will offer the same approval flow. Hit Allow and you’ll have the six-digit authentication code.
To access the code via System Settings: tap your name at the top of the sidebar, then go to Sign-In & Security. Under Two-Factor Authentication, just click Get Verification Code.
Keep in mind, if you’ve added a security key to your Apple ID, any of the above options will not be available. If that’s the case, the next section will help you.
Can’t Get Apple ID Verification Code on iDevice
When your trusted devices have a stable connection and enough battery but still don’t receive a login code, check if they’re updated to the latest software version first. Apple Support can help if the issue continues, given you haven’t set up a Security Key in the past.
However, when you no longer have access to any trusted number or device, you’ll need a different route. Here are the ways you can still regain access.
Way 1. Use Account Recovery
Sometimes, you’re trying to get into an Apple ID you haven’t touched in a while. However, every backup method you had e.g. devices or numbers is no longer available. In that case, account recovery is your safety net.
You can start the process at iforgot.apple.com. Just enter your Apple ID and the site will walk you through the next steps.
And once you get access to your account, you can add a new trusted number or device right away to avoid the same issue in the future.
Still, account recovery isn’t instant. It can take several days or longer, depending on what’s available for verification. However, when everything else is out of reach, it’s the best way back in.
Way 2. Create a New Account
If account recovery options are exhausted and the trusted number is out of reach, starting fresh with a new Apple ID becomes your clearest path back in.
This route isn’t perfect. Past purchases, iCloud data, and subscriptions won’t carry over. Still, the full control of your device will return, which is what matters most for many.
A few caveats:
- You can’t reuse the same email.
- Apple will reject phone numbers tied to too many accounts.
- Most importantly, if the device is still signed in with an old Apple ID or locked by Activation Lock or an MDM profile, this method won’t work through standard means.
Way 3. Remove Apple ID
When your Apple ID is tied to a device and you can’t access it because there’s no trusted number or devices to receive the verification code, Passixer iPhone Unlocker offers a guaranteed way in.
Passixer removes the existing Apple ID from your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to sign in with a new on. There’s no need to enter the password and wait for a verification code to sign into Apple ID and then sign out of it. When the removal is complete, the Apple ID is gone but your personal data, like photos and contacts, stays right where it is, if Find My disabled. You’re free to start fresh—set up a new Apple ID, reconnect to iCloud, and take back control of every device setting.
Key Features:
- Delete Apple ID from iPhone/iPad/iPod, whether Find My feature is on or off.
- Support latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.
- Unlock disabled or unavailable iPhone without iTunes or Finder.
- Remove Screen Time passcode and clears encrypted iTunes backup settings.
Steps to Remove Apple ID from iPhone/iPad/iPod Using Passixer
Step 1. Once you’ve installed Passixer on your computer, open the app and choose Remove Apple ID from the main dashboard.
Step 2. Plug your iPhone or iPad into the computer using a certified USB cable. After the device is detected, click Start to begin the removal process.
Step 3. What happens next depends on your device’s current settings:
Scenario 1. Find My is Turned Off
If Find My is already disabled, Passixer will proceed with Apple ID removal instantly.
Scenario 2. Find My is On (iOS 11.4 or earlier)
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings on your device. Once the reset is complete, Passixer will take over and begin removing the Apple ID automatically.
Scenario 3. Find My is On (iOS 11.4 and later)
First, make sure Two-Factor Authentication is enabled and a screen passcode is set. If these 2 conditions are meet, move on by entering 0000 and hitting Confirm.
Passixer will then show your device info. Check it and hit Start to download the matching firmware package.
Begin removing Apple ID by inputting 0000 and clicking Unlock.
When prompted, use your screen passcode to complete the removal process. Once done, your iPhone or iPad will be free of the old Apple ID and you can sign in with a new Apple Account.
How to Get Apple ID Verification Code With Phone
When your iPhone is nearby and signed in with your Apple ID, getting your login approval code becomes much easier. Having your phone also means that the trusted number is with you, so both the device itself and the SIM can be used for authentication. Below are the two built-in ways to retrieve your code right from the phone.
Way 1. Via Settings
If the automatic prompt doesn’t appear, you can still retrieve your verification code directly from your phone. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, then choose Sign-In & Security.
Step 2. Inside the Two-Factor Authentication section, tap Get Verification Code. The system will instantly generate a six-digit token for you.
This method works on any iPhone running iOS 9 or later and the device must be connected to the internet.
Way 2. Through Phone Number
On iOS 11.3 and later, any phone number you actively use on your device becomes automatically verified and trusted by Apple. So if that number is linked to your Apple ID or even just used on your current iPhone, it can serve as a fallback to receive login authentication.
When signing in, the code doesn’t appear automatically on your phone:
Step 1. Tap the Can’t get to your phone? or Didn’t Get the Code? option from the prompt.
Step 2. Then, choose Text Code or Get a Call, depending on what works for you.. .
If the number is still active and verified, you’ll receive the Apple login token immediately via SMS or voice call.
Wrap Up
At its core, this guide shows you all the ways to get the Apple ID six-digit verification code without needing your phone. The reason we mention the supported OS versions and manual steps to recover the code is simple: they raise your chances when the automatic system fails.
Passixer iPhone Unlocker is helpful if access to your Apple ID feels impossible, like there is no password, no trusted device, and no way to prove it’s you. It lets you remove the remnants of the old Apple ID, supports all iPhone and iPad models, and does so without data loss in most situations. So, you can enjoy the iOS device like before without any restrictions.