Apple ID recovery can take several days because Apple prioritizes security to ensure that only the rightful owner can regain access. When users forget their credentials, Apple employs a multi-step verification process to prevent unauthorized access. This includes verifying account details, personal information, and recovery options such as trusted devices or phone numbers. The time also depends on whether sufficient recovery information is available. Apple provides tools like iforgot.apple.com to initiate the recovery process, but if key details are missing or unverified, this security measure may extend the recovery time for several days.