Can't create Apple ID

booksandbikes

Just bought an Apple TV box so I can use Zwift, but having problems creating an ID.

I get to the point where I have to turn on two-factor authentication, and I put my number in and I get this message:

Verification codes cannot be sent to this phone number at this time. Please try again later.

I've also tried my partner's number and I get the same message. We are both using Lebara SIMs and I don't have a iPhone but I don't see that it should make any difference.

Does anyone have any suggestions or workarounds? 

Many thanks

MikeJXE

5 ways to fix Apple ID phone number verification issues

1. Update your iOS.
2. Sign out and back in.
3. Restart your device.
4. Disconnect from and reconnect to your network.
5. Try disconnecting from your VPN.

booksandbikes

Thanks - tried all those, but still not working. Apple support reckons it is a Lebara issue.....

MikeJXE

Then try to set up Apple ID with a different provider 

booksandbikes

Would prefer to avoid the hassle of swapping to another provider, especially when there is no guarantee that one will work either!!

MikeJXE

Try switching off mobile internet and try to create an ID through wifi 

booksandbikes

Thanks, but no joy there either. Have logged a fault with Lebara - they had a few suggestions but none of them worked. In the meantime, I've ordered a PAYG SIM to see if I can use that number.

booksandbikes

I have just received a new PAYG SIM from GiffGaff and unbelievably I am getting the same error. Not only have I paid for the plan, I also topped up an additional £10 in case I needed access to international texts/calls, and I am getting the same error! Seriously, what is going on???!!! Is it Apple, or does my phone need a factory reset?? What the...? And how come my partners phone doesn't work either? We have good signal, and no problems receiving other texts!!

I did a test that I could receive texts on the new SIM, so I know it is all working properly. Unbelievable!

booksandbikes

Ok, two phone calls with Apple later.....it isn't a problem with my phone! I have somehow managed to bypass something (he referred to it as 'Simple Security' which hasn't been updated in 15 years) and am stuck in Apple limbo. This was caused by me setting up the first part of my account on my PC, and when it froze on me, I used the browser on my phone to continue. That is what has caused the problem with my account...something about not synchronising with the Apple server.  He said it must be a bug and has referred it to Engineering to look at on Monday. 

What a palaver! 😵

MikeJXE

booksandbikes said:

Ok, two phone calls with Apple later.....it isn't a problem with my phone! I have somehow managed to bypass something (he referred to it as 'Simple Security' which hasn't been updated in 15 years) and am stuck in Apple limbo. This was caused by me setting up the first part of my account on my PC, and when it froze on me, I used the browser on my phone to continue. That is what has caused the problem with my account...something about not synchronising with the Apple server.  He said it must be a bug and has referred it to Engineering to look at on Monday. 

What a palaver! 😵

As usual with most problems on any human controlled 

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