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Dieu

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 16, 2010
40
30
As a preface, please accept my apologies for the long post. This has been such an insane and outwardly hilarious journey that others may get a kick out of this. If it is not a kick, perhaps impetus to move to an Android device.

Since, the afternoon of July 25, I have been trying to regain the use of my iPhone 13 “Max.” The iOS’ incessant update password popup, prohibits its use. Although, the popup has two options, “Not Now” and “Settings,” selecting “Not Know” does nothing and thus, the popup persists in perpetuity, precluding the normal use of the device. Selecting “Settings,” forces the owner into a circular process with no solution. I will try to summarize the senseless process:
  1. Forget password
  2. Get locked-out
  3. Submit email/telephone number to unlock
  4. Try password again, “unknown error” or locked out again
  5. Submit email/telephone number again
  6. Status icon “Verifying” is displayed in perpetuity
  7. After hours of waiting, closed it and tried again
  8. Get locked-out
  9. Submit telephone number to unlock
  10. Repeat process above
Accessed iforgot.apple.com, presented three options:

  1. “Reset your password while signing in on a new device”
  2. “Use someone else’s iOS device”
  3. “Use an iOS device at an Apple Store”
Option 1 is laughable. I am trying to reset my password; I did not buy a new phone!

Option 2 is equally absurd. In short, without your password, it does not matter how many Apple owners you beseech to install the “Apple Support” app. Again, the owner is forced to endure the same ineffectual process as before. During this useless exercise, I am asked to supply the screen lock passcode of my iPad. However, I do not use or need a passcode to unlock my iPad and thus, Apple is unable to reset my passcode!

Option 3 is the epitome of Apple’s folly. Visited an Apple store. Spoke with two Apple employees and was instructed to call Apple directly as there was” nothing they could do.” Seems to be a disconnect in training as Apple employees are unaware of their own processes. During my waisted trip, I was informed that another iPhone owner visiting from Canada was advised that he would have to wait a month to reset his password. Welcome to the United States! The only way I can use my phone is to minimize the screen while the perpetual “verifying” status icon is displayed. Once this times-out, I must go through the process again.

On August 3, I received an auto email notification from Apple informing that my password reset should be available on August 16. In addition, Apple’s email notification allows me the privilege to supply “additional” information to shorten the three-week waiting period. I must now supply my credit card information. Sadly, Apple’s astute verification process sees my Mastercard as “invalid.” Although, I use the card daily, Apple thinks otherwise. So, my iPad, telephone number, email address, and credit card information are inadequate. I am curious what added steps does Apple take to validate my identity and to justify the 30-days? What is next, a stool sample? Nevertheless, I should be thankful, I only must wait 23-days while our friend from Canada must wait 30+-days! I spoke too soon. I received another email notification today (August 15), advising that the new date is August 28!

During this unnecessarily and idiotic process, I am considering upgrading to an Android device. By the time Apple gets around to “allowing” me a password reset, I will have a new phone and have forgotten about this issue and this company.

Apple will learn the hard way that their restrictive and closed-source policies are not applicable to the public. My personal information, email address, credit card, etc., is not a requirement but a privilege. I own the iPhone, I am not renting or leasing this device and thus, Apple has no authority to withhold access to my device. If they are so concerned with identity and authentication, pick up the phone or employ enough staff to manage this simple request.
 
Commiserations.
Sounds like hell.
The 30 day waiting period is just bizarre.
If I got locked out of my iCloud account I'd be in deep ****.

Old school, I know but I do believe there is still a place for a pen and paper version of a few of my most needed passwords. Failing that, a password that I can actually remember.

Good luck!
 
Have things changed?

Or did you just try to reset your password too many times?

I've never had to reset my own password, but I've had to reset my wife's a few times and each time it was a matter of supplying the Apple ID, answering her security questions and then resetting the password. If something had to be done additionally, she has her iPad tied in and as of earlier this year an MBA.

Resetting passwords though is one reason I have my wife's phone number set as a trusted device. Likewise, all my other iPhones, some of my Macs and my iPad are tied in as well.
 
Old school, I know but I do believe there is still a place for a pen and paper version of a few of my most needed passwords. Failing that, a password that I can actually remember.
I have a few things I do digitally for that. Admittedly a risk, but I don't trust losing a piece of paper.

As to passwords I need to remember, I have variations on a theme. If you know me, and you know what interests I have and my history then you could guess.

For passcodes, I use a series of numbers that harken back to old jobs. For various reasons I remember those numbers, despite those old jobs being more than 20 or 30 years in the past.
 
I have a few things I do digitally for that. Admittedly a risk, but I don't trust losing a piece of paper.

As to passwords I need to remember, I have variations on a theme. If you know me, and you know what interests I have and my history then you could guess.

For passcodes, I use a series of numbers that harken back to old jobs. For various reasons I remember those numbers, despite those old jobs being more than 20 or 30 years in the past.
I don't think I'd lose a piece of paper that is stored in a place I know? It'd be like me losing my bed… or I dunno… oven.

Of course there are digital backups.

Yeah, passwords are generated by BitWarden for me… I used to do phrases in L337 but then I grew up. 😁
 
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I don't think I'd lose a piece of paper that is stored in a place I know?
I would. Or some event would happen that causes it to be lost.

Probably just my paranoia, but for whatever reason I feel less comfortable keeping it printed or written down than I do in a text file or spreashsheet.
 
I would. Or some event would happen that causes it to be lost.

Probably just my paranoia, but for whatever reason I feel less comfortable keeping it printed or written down than I do in a text file or spreashsheet.
Well It is all safely stored on Google Drive and iCloud.
If both systems go tits up then I'll revert to paper… of course by then logging in to my iCloud might be the least of our concerns as we say goodbye to loved ones and head to the bomb shelter.
 
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Nightmare. If i got locked out of icloud that would be a big problem, as I rely on the icloud keychain for a lot of my passwords which are “strong” and algorithmically generated.
 
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Heh - I use the keystore that's built in. The only password I actually know is my iCloud password (well, and my Mac's password) - that way, I have an alternative if I somehow forgot one of them - as I store them in a Note. Notes is replicated on your Apple devices - so, as long as you still have access to one of them, you can look up that password.
(and you can further protect your Notes to password protect them) - heh - but if you're prone to forgetting, maybe one level of protection is sufficient. :)

(and, of course, on newer Macs we also have Touch ID) :)
 
Nightmare. If i got locked out of icloud that would be a big problem, as I rely on the icloud keychain for a lot of my passwords which are “strong” and algorithmically generated.
I've taken all the steps I can see to do in order to prevent that. One of my first steps was switching my email address from my ISP to my free email account. Never know when you may switch ISPs, however unlikely. Try using that email when it's shut off!

I also don't use my iCloud email for anything personal. I had established email accounts long before iCloud came along so nothing sensitive is being used that hacking my free email account would give away (which I also don't use for anything sensitive).
 
I had a similar issue a couple of months ago. Using my iphone to pay via the wallet, had the “not now” popup appear. When I selected the not now option it reappeared over and over again. I ended up paying via credit card. When I got home was able to use my ipad to reset my account. I suspect this has something to do with my not having 2 factor enabled for my Apple store account since I have only one phone number which I use with my icloud account.

I think Apple has gone over board with its mandatory security for users, I should be able to opt out of some of it. It is too easy to get locked out of your account without an easy recovery method. Apple should also fix its “not now” popup so you can continue using your phone without it being bricked by this popup.
 
I have only one phone number which I use with my icloud account.
It's an easy thing to add other numbers that aren't actually connected to a real phone. I created a Google Voice number several years back with an area code that is in a state far from my own. I added it to my iCloud account. So, I can use that number from any Apple device that supports the Google Voice app or I can use any browser to go to voice.google.com. I have never used the number to actually call anyone.

I also use it for any service I have to give a number to that I don't want having my real number OR for weak 2FA. For instance, my bank only uses text messaging of a code to my GV number. If someone was trying to SIM swap me to get access to my bank account they would never get the text from my bank because the text message does NOT go to the number on my phone/SIM.

Google Voice is free and you can pick any number you want off their list. It's an easy way to add protection for yourself.
 
It's an easy thing to add other numbers that aren't actually connected to a real phone. I created a Google Voice number several years back with an area code that is in a state far from my own. I added it to my iCloud account. So, I can use that number from any Apple device that supports the Google Voice app or I can use any browser to go to voice.google.com. I have never used the number to actually call anyone.

I also use it for any service I have to give a number to that I don't want having my real number OR for weak 2FA. For instance, my bank only uses text messaging of a code to my GV number. If someone was trying to SIM swap me to get access to my bank account they would never get the text from my bank because the text message does NOT go to the number on my phone/SIM.

Google Voice is free and you can pick any number you want off their list. It's an easy way to add protection for yourself.
unfortunately every quarter or so you need to do something on the google number or google will take it back. This is a hassl.
 
unfortunately every quarter or so you need to do something on the google number or google will take it back. This is a hassl.
My bank sends text notification to my GV number every morning when transactions clear. I'm guessing that counts as use because I never make a call or text from that number and it's never been taken from me.
 
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