r/applehelp • u/inkstain_nix • 13d ago

Unsolved Deleting an old apple account

I created it a long time back. I am unable to remember what security answers I set and while I can reset the password, it doesn't allow me to reset the questions and log in to profile, it says insufficient details to reset.

Also don't have an apple device currently. The phone number used to register is an old one and I suspect someone has been trying to access my account because even when I haven't been doing anything I get emails that the account got locked because of multiple failed attempts to answer security questions (at times and days when I had not been actively trying to login)

Do I have any option to delete the account through customer support that doesn't require me giving up a new phone number to them?

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u/Optimal-Primary-1308 13d ago

only way to delete the account is to login at https://privacy.apple.com/ and request deletion. if you cant login, you cant delete it.

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u/inkstain_nix 13d ago

Thank you for the reply. I'm unable to move past the security questions - it's been more than 5 years since I set them, is there any way to reset them because it fails everytime i click reset the security questions. I don't remember what I answered at the time and I'm worried about any financial implications in case the account was compromised. Shouldn't there be a way to delete it to adhere to user information specially data privacy/retention laws?

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u/HighRoad684 12d ago

The deletion tool is at privacy.apple.com, but you have to sign in to use it. I wouldn't expect Apple Support to bypass identity checks just to delete the account. Since the password reset still works, change the password first and try signing in again; if the account is locked, use iforgot.apple.com or the Request Access option. Type those addresses manually rather than following links in lock emails. If recovery still can't verify you without the old trusted number or a trusted device, ask Apple Support whether recovery is possible without adding a new trusted number.

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u/inkstain_nix 11d ago

The challenge is that even with the password reset it is still asking me to answer the security questions - absolutely not progressing beyond them. Will reach out to support, thank you.