Lost the phone number on your account? How to get back in
In short
- Look for another way first: a recovery email, an authenticator app, a backup code, or a device that’s still signed in.
- If none works, use the company’s own recovery. Apple says its account recovery can take several days or longer.
- Ignore paid “recovery services” and helplines in search results. They aren’t the company.
An account that texts its code to a number you’ve lost can feel like a locked door. There’s usually another way in, though it’s slower than a text.
Try the other methods first
On the code screen, look for a link to another way to verify; Epic Games, for example, calls it “Try another way”. Common options are a recovery email, an authenticator app, a backup code, or a prompt on a phone or computer that’s still signed in. See backup and recovery codes.
Apple
Without a trusted device or the trusted phone number, Apple’s last resort is account recovery. Apple says it can take several days or longer. When the wait is over, Apple sends a text or automated call with instructions, and you can check progress at iforgot.apple.com. A recovery contact, if you set one up beforehand, can also help you back in.
Start from Google’s own account recovery page. Google suggests using a device and Wi-Fi network you’ve signed in with before, and answering as many questions as you can rather than skipping them. If you set up recovery contacts beforehand, a friend or relative can help confirm it’s you. See Google without a phone number.
Microsoft
If you can’t use your security info, Microsoft’s account recovery form asks questions to check the account is yours, and contacts you at an email address you give. If a request isn’t granted, Microsoft says you can try again, up to twice a day. See Microsoft phone verification.
Recovery scams
Beware “account recovery” services and helplines in search results and on social media: they aren’t the company. Don’t pay them, share your codes with them, or let them onto your device.
So it doesn’t happen again
Once you’re back in, add a recovery email, save backup codes, and consider an authenticator app: see text codes vs authenticator apps. Changing number? Move your accounts first: see changing your phone number.
After a one-time number
A number from ReserveSMS receives codes for 20 minutes only, so for an account you keep, the steps above are your way back in. Add an email and save backup codes straight after you sign up: see keeping an account after a temporary number.
Common questions
How do I get into an account without the phone number on it?
Look for another way on the code screen, such as a recovery email, an authenticator app or a backup code. If none works, use the company’s own account recovery.
How long does Apple account recovery take?
Apple says it can take several days or longer. When the wait is over, Apple sends a text or automated call with instructions.
Should I pay someone to recover my account?
No. Use only the company’s own recovery pages. Paid recovery services and helplines in search results aren’t the company.