My husband can’t sign in to his new iPhone with his Apple ID because he can’t receive the verification code on his broken iPhone. How can he get the Apple ID verification code if his phone is broken?
—— C1nde, Apple Community
Once you enable 2FA for your Apple ID, you will need to enter your Apple ID password and the verification code the first time you sign in to a browser or device with your Apple Account. However, what if you can’t receive the code because your phone is broken or lost? Take it easy, it’s still possible to get Apple ID verification code without phone and we will show you the details here.
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.
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.
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.
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 Broken/Lost Phone
If the unavailable phone is your trusted device, you can try using another trusted device, a trusted phone number, or account recovery to sign in to your Apple ID on another device or platform. Next, we will explain when to use each method and provide the detailed steps.
Way 1. Use Another Trusted Device
If you have an Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad, check whether they are signed in with the same Apple ID as your unavailable trusted phone. If they are and have 2FA enabled, you can follow the steps below to obtain an Apple ID verification code on them instead.
On 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.
On 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.
On 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.
Way 2. Receive Code Using Trusted Phone Number
A trusted phone number can also receive the Apple ID verification code via text or call. This works even if the trusted number is associated with the lost iPhone.
Steps to Follow When Trusted Phone Number Isn’t On Lost/Broken Phone
Step 1. Login iCloud.com. Enter your Apple ID account and password. When you are prompted to input the verification code, tap Did not get a verification code? > Use phone number.
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.
Steps to Follow When Trusted Phone Number Is On Lost/Broken Phone
If your trusted phone number is lost along with your iPhone, try adding a new trusted number on account.apple.com using a browser you’ve previously signed in with. This way, you can receive the verification code through an alternative phone number without using the primary one.
Using a browser where you’ve previously signed in to your Apple ID can help you skip the step of receiving a verification code that you currently can’t obtain.
Step 1: Visit appleid.apple.com in a browser you’ve previously signed in on.
Step 2: Choose Account Security in the Sign-In and Security section.
Step 3: Click the plus icon and add a new phone number step by step.
Step 4: Confirm the addition by entering the verification code sent to the new phone number.
Step 5: Enter your Apple ID password to complete the process.
Now, follow the steps above to obtain the verification code through SMS or a phone call.
Can’t Get Apple ID Verification Code
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.
Bonus: How to Remove Apple ID from iPhone/iPad Without Password
When you sign out of your Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad, you must enter the Apple ID password for verification. If you can’t input it because your Apple Account is disabled or you’ve forgotten the password, try to recover your Apple ID or reset the password using the guides below.
You May Also Need
If you can recover your Apple Account or reset the Apple ID password, you need to remove Apple ID from your iDevice to use its features and services fully. Passixer iPhone Unlocker is recommended to help you do the job. It can sign out of Apple ID on iDevice without password and with Find My on or off. Passixer is also a useful tool to unlink the previous owner’s Apple ID from a second-hand iDevice without the original owner.
Steps to Remove Apple ID from iPhone/iPad/iPod Using Passixer
Once you’ve installed Passixer on your computer, open the app and choose Remove Apple ID from the main dashboard.
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.
What happens next depends on your device’s current settings:
If Find My is already disabled, Passixer will proceed with Apple ID removal instantly.
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.
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.
Wrap Up
At its core, this guide shows you all the ways to get the Apple ID six-digit verification code without needing your trusted phone. 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.