Imagine you I forgot my Apple account password. Your account, or you can't use your device because you forgot or misunderstood the passcode. These situations can prevent you from using your iPhone or iPad, or even accessing your important iCloud data. Apple can't simply reset your password, especially if you use two-factor authentication. This is where the Recovery Contact feature comes in, allowing you to choose a trusted person to help you recover your account easily and securely.
What is the recovery contact feature?
Apple allows you to designate an account recovery contact, a trusted person who can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account if it's locked out. This feature is especially useful if you've lost your password or don't have a trusted secondary device or recovery key.
Who can be your contact?
You should choose someone you know well and trust, such as a family member or close friend. There are certain requirements for your contact:
◉ Must have a device running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, or later.
◉ Must be 13 years or older.
◉ Two-factor authentication must be enabled on his account.
◉ He must have a passcode activated on his device.
How to set up an account recovery contact
Setting up a recovery contact is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Here's how:
On iPhone or iPad
◉ Open Settings on your device.
◉ Click on your name (Apple account logo) at the top of the list.
◉ Choose Sign In & Security.
◉ Under the “Recovery Methods” section, tap Recovery Contacts.
◉ Read the information that appears on the screen, then tap Add Recovery Contact and authenticate.
◉ Choose a contact. If you're part of a Family Sharing group, eligible contacts will appear. Alternatively, tap Choose Someone Else to search your contacts.
◉ Click Next, and a screen will appear allowing you to send a message to the selected contact informing them that you have added them as a recovery contact. You can send the default message or edit it before sending.
◉ Click Send and then Done.
Steps on Mac
You can find the same options in System Settings - Apple Account. Follow similar steps to add a contact.
AdviceKeep a contact phone number so you can contact them if you need help recovering your account.
How do you help someone as a recovery contact?
If you've been selected as a contact to recover someone else's account, you can help them by creating a recovery code. Here are the steps:
◉ Open Settings and tap on your name.
◉ Choose Sign In & Security, then Account Recovery.
◉ Click on the person’s name, then click Get Recovery Code.
◉ When the person is ready, read them the recovery code. Once they enter it on their device, they'll be able to reset their password and access their account.
How to remove yourself as a recovery contact
If you no longer want to be a contact to recover someone else's account, you can remove yourself by following these steps:
◉ Open Settings and tap on your name.
◉ Choose Sign in & Security, then Account Recovery.
◉ Under the “Recover account for” section, tap the person’s name.
◉ Click on Remove Contact.
◉ After completing these steps, the person will receive a message stating that you are no longer their recovery contact.
Important Notes
All Apple devices associated with your account must be updated to iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, or later, and your Apple Watch to watchOS 8 or later.
If you don't update all devices, you won't be able to use the restore contact feature until you update it or remove it from your account.
Setting up an Apple account recovery contact is a simple yet crucial step to ensure your account remains secure and accessible at all times. By following the steps above, you can protect yourself from the hassle of losing access to your account and data. Choose a contact you trust and ensure your devices are updated to take advantage of this feature.
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