throwaway45901

Yes, if he had known this would happen, he could have done all those things.

Or if Apple did not force 2FA on new accounts, then this also wouldn’t have happened.

He did not set up 2FA willingly. It is now required for all new Apple accounts.

He tried to find a way to disable it, but it is no longer possible.

If Apple had a 2FA method where he could use another email, that would have solved the problem. Or even using an app like Authy or Google Authenticator.

He is overseas, with no global roaming, and so is unable to receive calls or texts.

He took his phone because he planned on getting a local SIM card.

He doesn’t have international roaming.

Note that the “recovery key” is for the older “2 step verification.”

The newer “2 factor verification” does not have a recovery key.

I just found out all new iCloud accounts require your mobile number for 2FA.

A friend is in a study abroad program and broke his iPhone. He bought a new one but can’t access his account because he no longer has a “trusted device” (his broken iPhone) to verify his login and since he’s overseas, can’t get the fallback SMS.

He basically has to wait until he returns.