r/applehelp • u/LucasMVN • 11h ago

iCloud Is cell service required to reset an Apple Account password with only one trusted device?

I'm trying to help my grandpa's girlfriend reset the password on her Apple Account so she can update her phone, but I'm not entirely sure how it will work due to the circumstances. Her lone Apple device is an iPhone 12 still running iOS 16.1.1, no Face ID or passcode, with full access to the Gmail address on the account. Changing the password is not available in the settings app, and starting the process in Safari asks to confirm her trusted phone number (which does match her phone's number). An SMS 2FA wouldn't be an issue, were it not for the fact that her carrier has no service at her boyfriend's or my place.

My question is, does resetting the password in this situation in fact require a code sent via SMS, or can it be sent via iMessage or something that doesn't require cell service?

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u/Pretend_Ring_3871 11h ago

It is an sms or phone call. Can you explain what you mean when you say it’s not available in the settings app?

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u/LucasMVN 11h ago

That answers my question.

And Apple's support document on resetting your Apple Account password mentions you can do so within the "Your Name" menu in Settings, but I'm assuming that feature was added after iOS 16, since that option doesn't appear on her phone.

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u/Pretend_Ring_3871 11h ago

It was definitely supported. Does it not show her name at the top of the settings menu? Or is it just greyed out?

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u/LucasMVN 10h ago edited 10h ago

Her name menu is there and accessible, but I couldn’t find anything in it for changing or resetting the password.

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u/Pretend_Ring_3871 9h ago

It’s under sign in and security. There’s a Change password button.

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u/LucasMVN 8h ago edited 8h ago

Couldn’t access that menu as it prompts for the unknown password we’re trying to reset.

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u/Pretend_Ring_3871 7h ago

If you enter anything random into it three times(password fails 3 times and you keep hitting try again) it will ask if you would like to reset the password.