Returning iPhone 15 four hours after purchased

[bobdoo]

Go here for support: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/new/

I meant if he gets a pixel, or even another android phone... Not for ipoo support!

 

[KrisZ]

Why should apple do anything differently when in this very thread there are so many people defending its "chastity"?

 

[GMBoy]

I didn't think this thread blew up whatsoever. A problem was discovered, researched, and solved. The problem wasn't solvable by the world's largest organization that has billions in cash. Verizon wasn't able to solve either- I guess Verizon is more interested in cross selling streaming and such.

The issue wasn't about remembering a password, etc. The issue was an Apple ID that was tied to a very old work e-mail, and a rescue email address that was a personal email. The work email was no longer valid. I am not aware of readily available information at the time I entered the rescue e-mail address (likely a decade or so ago) that by doing so, that address was banned from use for life with very deliberate actions. I speculate Apple didn't even have that policy in place when the rescue email address was used. Last night the Apple tech support rep told me there was no fix to the issue because the original email was a defunct email. I didn't give up and found the fix.

What I still find mind blowing is that Apple didn't offer 800 my apple to make a call to try and fix the problem. Apple didn't want people calling them, that was my takeaway. They would rather lose customers than service customers on a MACRO basis. Corporations that take that stance, and most are today---- are doing this because they have cornered the market and/ or part of a oligopoly.

Not too many years ago poor customer service would kill a corporation. With oligopolies cornering almost all of most consumer markets in the U.S, customer service is irrelevant on a MACRO basis.

It was a joke...

 

[factorytuned2012]

wow, I have the same apple id and icloud since 2011 maybe earlier when the iPhone 3GS was released I've been back and forth between Blackberry, Android and back to iPhone and never got locked out. definitely need to keep user id's and passwords written down.

 

[KrisZ]

wow, I have the same apple id and icloud since 2011 maybe earlier when the iPhone 3GS was released I've been back and forth between Blackberry, Android and back to iPhone and never got locked out. definitely need to keep user id's and passwords written down.

That's likely because you actively used the e-mail address, not because it was linked to an apple device.
Essentially the lesson learned here is to use an active email account, or set up a brand new account with Apple.

 

[factorytuned2012]

That's likely because you actively used the e-mail address, not because it was linked to an apple device.
Essentially the lesson learned here is to use an active email account, or set up a brand new account with Apple.

yeah that too, although i have changed the email associated with my apple id/icloud several times

 

[CKN]

Bottom line- easier to blame the big bad corporation( s) than to write down and keep up to date emails and passwords....

 

[IveBeenRued]

Flip this whole situation on its head from the attacker perspective and if Apple wasn’t such pricks about security and privacy to see how hilarious it is.

User: I, Prince Shehu Usman Abubakar of Nigeria JohnQUser, would like to unlock my old account please.
Apple: OK, what’s the email associated with the account?
User: [email protected]
Apple: Great, we sent you a password reset link.
User: I no longer have access to the email.
Apple: OK, we’ve sent it to the backup address on your account.
User: Which address would that be?
Apple: We can’t provide that information because of privacy concerns.
User: Pretty please.
Apple: Ok, because you asked nicely. It’s [email protected]
User: I no longer have access to that either.
Apple: OK, we’ve sent will just reset your password this one time because you’re so nice.
**Actual JohnQUser’s info is promptly stolen, email account passwords changed, SIM card swapped, bank account 2FA compromised, investment accounts drained, etc.***
Actual JohnQUser: Why don’t Apple protect me!

 

[GON]

Flip this whole situation on its head from the attacker perspective and if Apple wasn’t such pricks about security and privacy to see how hilarious it is.

User: I, Prince Shehu Usman Abubakar of Nigeria JohnQUser, would like to unlock my old account please.
Apple: OK, what’s the email associated with the account?
User: [email protected]
Apple: Great, we sent you a password reset link.
User: I no longer have access to the email.
Apple: OK, we’ve sent it to the backup address on your account.
User: Which address would that be?
Apple: We can’t provide that information because of privacy concerns.
User: Pretty please.
Apple: Ok, because you asked nicely. It’s [email protected]
User: I no longer have access to that either.
Apple: OK, we’ve sent will just reset your password this one time because you’re so nice.
**Actual JohnQUser’s info is promptly stolen, email account passwords changed, SIM card swapped, bank account 2FA compromised, investment accounts drained, etc.***
Actual JohnQUser: Why don’t Apple protect me!

Actually, not hilarious at all. This thread without trying shows the arrogance of very wealthy hi tech firms and the power they now have with their oligopolies, and the lobbyist they invest hundreds of millions in annually.

Your post does not reflect in part or in whole what happened. Nor is it an accurate depiction of the information available and posted in this thread. Apple refused to work with the rescue email address they have on file, which is my active personal email.

 

[Pew]

Tbh, I would have tried to make a new apple account after figuring out the old one didn't work. At least that would have let me know if the phone worked at all. Then it's easy to just reset the phone once I found out if the phone is good. But that's the help desk in me.

Although it is weird to not allow a rescue email to become a regular account. I have not tried that with Google yet, but I do have two Google accounts. Can't really blame the store on that - that does not seem like a common occurrence. Many things help desk are learned via experiencing difficult calls - the ones where you have to actively troubleshoot. Luckily the one you got in the phone at least got half of it right and led you in the right direction.

 

[John105]

Cool that you can return it. I’m on my 2nd iPhone (13 Pro 256) due to price. I work all day long with Android and do believe there are a multitude of pluses with it.

 

[John105]

Seller provided a product that didn't work and that they couldn't make work and then charged you to return it?
A no-brainer charge back on your credit card.

I always wonder why people mention the credit card as being an easy means of settling a dispute. I can tell you I had two legit disputes and with JPM and BAC both were denied. From my experience the merchant has the power with the Cc.

I have found the BBB to be effective when the Cc co was not.

 

[y_p_w]

The phone stores are useless when it comes to the actual devices themselves. Anything beyond selling you a phone plan and they just throw up their hands. Telling a customer to "go home and hopefully you can figure it out" is laughably bad customer service. An Apple store could've likely straightened it out. I doubt an Apple ID not used since 2018 is still active, but they could've assisted you setting up a new account.

Yeah. The service and help at an Apple Store is crazy good and most often free. And they don't care where it was purchased, whether it's a mobile service operator or Best Buy. The big issue is getting an appointment. Some people won't wait and perhaps try using one of their authorized service providers, but they may not be as patient and will likely charge some sort of service fee for help. And often they're not capable of helping out with setup or won't. They're primarily concerned with defects.

My dad is notoriously bad with technology, but he's been abled to get an appointment at an Apple Store and they saw him through every step without charging him anything.

 

[IveBeenRued]

Actually, not hilarious at all. This thread without trying shows the arrogance of very wealthy hi tech firms and the power they now have with their oligopolies, and the lobbyist they invest hundreds of millions in annually.

Your post does not reflect in part or in whole what happened. Nor is it an accurate depiction of the information available and posted in this thread. Apple refused to work with the rescue email address they have on file, which is my active personal email.

I purposely flipped the story to show what couple happen if Apple allowed easy access to defunct/orphaned accounts. Just ask all of the celebrities from

In short, it sounds like you were trying to gain access to an account that had not been accessed in 6 or so years. Apple likely just has a strict policy for gaining access to old/defunct accounts. Not sure if you had anything of value in that old account but I would have just created a new account at that point.

Apple can’t know who has access your recovery account at the six year point and I can see why they didn’t play ball. Scammers, jaded exs, etc. will do crazy things when they gain access to people’s email accounts. Passwords, private photos, targeting information beyond belief can be found in even old/defunct Apple accounts.

Sorry you had a rough time with them but based on all the details here, I’d say Apple wasn’t in the wrong. Google would have deleted your account after two years of non-access unless you were paying for retention.

 

[John105]

When we got our phones in 2022 in person,
the tel#’s (area codes) were wrong. The Verizon store advised me to go online and change it myself. If I did it myself, free, if they did it $15 each?

I thought that to be odd at the time but have since learned that they did me a solid. When Once I figured out how to change it, I did it 3 more times until I got a number pattern that I liked.

I dealt with all the carriers for nearly 20 years at work and Verizon was the best. Lots of tricks such as VZW cxl eff today, ATT cxl end of period. When Sprint existed, horrible, hard to understand how other than Nextel walkie talkie. But VZW has really slipped even at the corporate level. Call centers that are not properly trained and yes off shore.

 

[Hall]

Let's bet $250, the loser of the bet pays $250 to BITOG in the form of a donation.....

Everything I read says Verizon has no such thing as a "setup your phone" fee, only the standard activation charge of $35. It does look like Verizon retailers can and sometimes do charge for this type of service.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Bottom line- easier to blame the big bad corporation( s) than to write down and keep up to date emails and passwords....

Just because many life functions have moved online doesn't mean that one can be lax in managing their affairs.

The gripes about the hassle of 2FA are no different than losing your driver's license, SSD card, birth certificate, or passport. You're gonna face a hassle to replace those as well if you lose, or don't have access to them when asked. The wise take care to proactively safeguard their credentials, paper or electronic.

And what about the days when cars had separate door and ignition keys? Lose one, or the other, and you'll face some sort of challenge.

Same as always, in a different form.

I do know people who literally write down their passwords and account details in a paper notebook. That occupies a space situated right next to their computer.

I set them up with a password manager (even free ones are fine for basic usage) and strongly encouraged them to use it, but sometimes, horses might not drink even though there's plenty of water available.

And oh yeah, good luck trying to find Amazon's phone number on their website. They scrubbed it from their site a long time ago.

Robochat, chat, or callback are the options. Industry standard for businesses that have millions of users, and thousands of contacts daily.

I purposely flipped the story to show what couple happen if Apple allowed easy access to defunct/orphaned accounts. Just ask all of the celebrities from

In short, it sounds like you were trying to gain access to an account that had not been accessed in 6 or so years. Apple likely just has a strict policy for gaining access to old/defunct accounts. Not sure if you had anything of value in that old account but I would have just created a new account at that point.

Apple can’t know who has access your recovery account at the six year point and I can see why they didn’t play ball. Scammers, jaded exs, etc. will do crazy things when they gain access to people’s email accounts. Passwords, private photos, targeting information beyond belief can be found in even old/defunct Apple accounts.

Sorry you had a rough time with them but based on all the details here, I’d say Apple wasn’t in the wrong. Google would have deleted your account after two years of non-access unless you were paying for retention.

Tip- Users with Apple IDs that didn't have 2FA enabled when the account was created can still choose to leave it off, though Apple will push to have the user enable it after each software update (the "Upgrade Security" or "Don't Upgrade" routine). And after it is enabled, there is (was?) a two week grace period to disable it, though I don't know if that is still valid. There are some features, like HomeKit, that require 2FA to be enabled to function.

Since iOS 13 and Mac OS 15, 2FA is enabled by default on all new accounts, and can't be disabled.

Between the hassle of 2FA, or the hassle of a breached account because your "123password" password was cracked in a fraction of a second, it's pretty clear which one is preferable.

I always wonder why people mention the credit card as being an easy means of settling a dispute. I can tell you I had two legit disputes and with JPM and BAC both were denied. From my experience the merchant has the power with the Cc.

Chargebacks should not be used as a go-to tool. Lenders take note when they are used that way, or abused.

 

[Torrid]

So the issue is you can't access your Apple account to set it up? You need to go to icloud.com and reset your password if you don't remember the password. You just need to have access to the email address you set up when you originally set up your Apple ID.

If the phone just isn't recognizing it, that's another problem and they should either refund you or give you a replacement. From first glance it sounds like a login issue.

 

[henni]

Recovering Your Existing Apple ID

1. Visit the Apple ID account recovery website (appleid.apple.com) on a computer or another device.
2. Click on "Forgot Apple ID or password" and follow the prompts.
3. You can try to recover your Apple ID using your name and email address. If you can't remember the email, try any old email addresses you may have used.
4. If successful, Apple will send you instructions to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Creating a New Apple ID
If recovery isn't possible, you can create a new Apple ID directly on your iPhone 15:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 15.
2. Tap "Sign in to your iPhone" at the top of the screen.
3. Select "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?"
4. Choose "Create Apple ID"
5. Enter your name and birthdate, then tap "Continue"
6. You can use an existing email address or get a free iCloud email address
7. Create a strong password for your new Apple ID
8. Verify your phone number for account security
9. Agree to the terms and conditions.
10. Your iPhone will sign you in with the new Apple ID.

Activating Your New Apple ID
After creating the ID, you'll need to activate it:

1. Go to the App Store and try to download a free app.
2. You'll be prompted to review your account information.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Select "None" for payment method if you don't want to add one now
5. Enter your billing address and tap "Next"

Your new Apple ID is now fully set up and ready to use on your iPhone 15. You can use it to access iCloud, the App Store, FaceTime, iMessage, and other Apple services

 

[GON]

Recovering Your Existing Apple ID

1. Visit the Apple ID account recovery website (appleid.apple.com) on a computer or another device.
2. Click on "Forgot Apple ID or password" and follow the prompts.
3. You can try to recover your Apple ID using your name and email address. If you can't remember the email, try any old email addresses you may have used.
4. If successful, Apple will send you instructions to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Creating a New Apple ID
If recovery isn't possible, you can create a new Apple ID directly on your iPhone 15:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 15.
2. Tap "Sign in to your iPhone" at the top of the screen.
3. Select "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?"
4. Choose "Create Apple ID"
5. Enter your name and birthdate, then tap "Continue"
6. You can use an existing email address or get a free iCloud email address
7. Create a strong password for your new Apple ID
8. Verify your phone number for account security
9. Agree to the terms and conditions.
10. Your iPhone will sign you in with the new Apple ID.

Activating Your New Apple ID
After creating the ID, you'll need to activate it:

1. Go to the App Store and try to download a free app.
2. You'll be prompted to review your account information.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Select "None" for payment method if you don't want to add one now
5. Enter your billing address and tap "Next"

Your new Apple ID is now fully set up and ready to use on your iPhone 15. You can use it to access iCloud, the App Store, FaceTime, iMessage, and other Apple services

Thanks, funny thing I was was unable to login to my apple ID, and was unable to create a new ID . I followed the instructions you posted. And disappointeing, when everything fails, apple says to send them a request for support. But the request can't be sent without a working apple ID. And of course, apple does not provide a alternative phone number to call when nothing was working on their website.

There is an old saying, when much is given much is expected. The U.S. citizens have given much to Apple. Not sure Apple cares about the expected part. As long as Apple has its lobbyists and hord of cash, not sure the customers are a key priority.