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Social Security online account setup keeps failing - iPad/smartphone issues?

I'm pulling my hair out trying to set up my mySocialSecurity online account! I've attempted at least 6 different times over the past month with zero success. The system either freezes during identity verification or gives me some vague error about not being able to verify my information. I'm wondering if the problem is that I'm trying to do this on my iPad and iPhone? Does SSA's website not work properly on mobile devices? I'll be turning 60 next month and really want to start planning my retirement and understand what my benefit options might be at different ages. Has anyone else had this problem? Were you able to solve it? Do I need to use a desktop computer instead? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Savannah Glover

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Yes, you absolutely CAN create a mySocialSecurity account using an iPad or smartphone, but there are some common issues that might be causing your problems: 1. Make sure you're using the official ssa.gov website (not any third-party sites) 2. Your browser needs to accept cookies and JavaScript 3. Sometimes the identity verification service (ID.me) has compatibility issues with certain browsers 4. If you've had a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit report, that can block verification I'd recommend trying these steps: - Clear your browser cache and cookies - Try a different browser (Safari vs Chrome) - Temporarily disable any ad blockers - Make sure your personal information exactly matches what's on your Social Security card and tax returns If you're still having issues, you might need to visit your local SSA office to get an activation code in person.

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Kevin Bell

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Thank you for these suggestions! I hadn't thought about the credit freeze - I actually DO have one with Experian that I put in place last year after a data breach. Could that really be blocking the verification? I'll try temporarily lifting it and attempting again.

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Felix Grigori

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I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!! Tried for WEEKS on my phone and tablet with ZERO luck!!1! The SSA website is TERRIBLE on mobile! I finally went to my daughter's house and used her laptop and it worked on the first try. Their system is COMPLETELY broken for mobile users. I complained to the SSA office about it and they just gave me some BS about "supported browsers" - like it's still 2005 or something!!!! Try a regular computer if you can find one.

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Felicity Bud

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It worked fine on my phone. Maybe update your browser?

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Max Reyes

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i had same issue. the problem was i was using autofill on my iphone and it was putting wrong format for my phone number. had to manually type everything. also make sure ur address is exactly the same as whats on ur ss card. even slight difference causes problems

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Kevin Bell

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That's a good point about autofill! I do use that feature a lot and never considered it might be causing problems. I'll definitely try entering everything manually next time. Thanks!

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Mikayla Davison

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When I tried creating my mySocialSecurity account, I ran into similar issues. After multiple failed attempts, I found that calling the SSA directly was nearly impossible - constant busy signals and disconnects after waiting for 2+ hours. I eventually discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual SSA representative in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The rep was able to help troubleshoot my online account issues and explained that certain mobile browsers do have compatibility issues with their verification system. They gave me specific instructions for setting up the account properly. Might be worth checking out if you continue having issues.

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Adrian Connor

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I was so skeptical about this Claimyr thing when someone recommended it, but it actually worked. I was about to drive 45 minutes to my local SSA office after trying to call for days. The rep I spoke to explained that the mobile verification often fails because the ID.me service they use has stricter security parameters on mobile devices. Using a desktop/laptop is definitely more reliable.

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Aisha Jackson

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My sister had prblems 2. She keeps trying on her fone and it never works. But I think it's cuz she has bad credit and the verificashun thing checks ur credit report? Maybe check ur credit report first?

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Savannah Glover

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Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: The SSA's identity verification doesn't perform a "credit check" in the traditional sense. However, it does use information from your credit file to generate knowledge-based authentication questions (like previous addresses, loans, etc.) to verify your identity. This is why credit freezes can sometimes interfere with the process. And yes, while some mobile browsers work fine, desktop browsers generally have a higher success rate with the verification process. If you're planning for retirement at 59, it's definitely worth getting this access set up, as you'll want to review your earnings history for accuracy and use their benefit calculators to help with retirement planning. One other thing to try: some people have success using a cellular data connection rather than WiFi, as some security systems and firewalls on home networks can interfere with the verification process.

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Kevin Bell

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This is all really helpful information. I'm going to try on my son's laptop this weekend and will make sure to temporarily lift my credit freeze first. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions! It's comforting to know I'm not the only one who's struggled with this.

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Felicity Bud

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I set mine up last month. Worked fine. Try a different browser.

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Adrian Connor

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I had a very similar experience when trying to create my account. After multiple failed attempts on my iPad, I finally called SSA's tech support line. They explained that while their website is technically compatible with mobile devices, the identity verification service they use (ID.me) works most consistently on desktop computers with Chrome or Firefox browsers. The representative also mentioned that if you've moved recently or have any discrepancies between your current information and what's in their system, verification can fail. He suggested ensuring that my current address was updated with the IRS and on my latest tax return, as they cross-reference that data. Once I used a desktop computer and made sure all my information was consistent, it worked perfectly. Good luck with your retirement planning! The benefit calculators on the site are extremely helpful for comparing different claiming strategies.

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Max Reyes

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same thing happened to my brother he moved last year but didnt update address with irs

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