Learn how to reset your Apple account password if you forgot it to regain access to your account, along with your files in iCloud, Photos library, Messages chats, etc.
If you don’t remember your Apple account email address, follow these steps to find it first. Before we get to it, turn off the Stolen Device Protection feature on your iPhone if you’ve turned it on in order to avoid the obligatory 1-hour security delay.
Stolen Device Protection also prevents password changes on the paired Apple Watch. However, you can use your Mac or iPad to reset your Apple account password without waiting for the security delay to run out.
Method 1: Reset Apple account password using your device
The easiest way to reset your Apple account password is to use your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or another trusted device you own that’s signed in to the same Apple account and has a passcode set up. This will make the password reset process effortless because your trusted devices prove that you’re a legitimate user and not some imposter trying to hack into your Apple account.
iPhone and iPad
1) Open the Settings app and tap your Apple account at the top, then choose Sign-In & Security (earlier called Password & Security). In rare cases, you may be prompted to enter your Apple account password before proceeding. Since you forgot it, refer to the other methods mentioned below.
2) Tap Change Password.
3) Enter your device passcode, which is the code you use to unlock. It may be a six-digit, four-digit, or alphanumeric passcode.
4) Enter your new Apple account password twice to verify, then hit Continue.
5) Here, you can optionally sign out of all your other devices that use the same Apple account. If you suspect someone else might know your password, choose Sign Out Other Devices; otherwise, tap Don’t Sign Out.
Mac
1) Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings or System Preferences. Select your Apple Account in the sidebar and choose Sign-In & Security (Password & Security on older macOS versions) on the right.
2) Click Change Password.
3) Enter the login password of your Mac account and click Allow.
4) Type a new Apple account password and click Continue. Finally, decide if you’d like your other devices to sign out of this Apple account for security purposes or not.
Apple Watch
1) Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Tap your Apple account at the top and select Sign-In & Security or Password & Security.
2) Choose Change Password, then tap Enter Passcode on the next screen. You’ll be prompted to type your Apple Watch passcode to continue.
3) Type the new Apple account password you’d like to use, then type it again to verify and hit Change.
4) Decide whether to sign out of this Apple account on your other devices or not. After that, wait a few seconds until your new Apple account password is set.
What to do after resetting your Apple account password?
If you opt to automatically sign out of your Apple account on your other devices, you’ll need to re-enter the password on them. You will also need to authenticate with your new password in iTunes and Apple apps for Windows and Android.
Whether or not you opt to automatically sign out of your Apple account on your other devices, you may receive alerts saying ‘Device Added to Your Account. An iPhone now has access to iMessage and FaceTime. If you don’t recognize this device, you can remove it in Settings.’ This is for your own security. However, since you initiated a password reset, feel free to dismiss these alerts.
Method 2: Use someone else’s device
If you no longer have access to any Apple devices you own, borrow an iPhone or iPad from a friend or family member to reset your Apple account password. You can also visit your nearest Apple store and ask them to borrow an iPhone so you can reset your password in the store. None of your information will be saved on the device, as all display devices in Apple stores are erased every day.
When initiating a password reset from a device you don’t own, a verification code will be texted to the trusted phone number on file; put your SIM card in another phone so you can receive the code. If your iPhone with the SIM inside was stolen, contact your carrier to get a replacement SIM card with the same phone number, then put the card in another phone and follow the steps below.
1) Download the official Apple Support app on the borrowed iPhone or iPad. Then, open the app and choose Reset Password in the “Support Tools” section.
2) Tap Help Someone Else.
3) Enter the email address or phone number associated with the Apple account whose password you’re resetting and tap Continue.
4) Type your trusted phone number if asked and tap Continue.
5) Tap Send Code to your mobile number.
6) Enter the code you received via SMS.
7) Enter the 28-digit recovery code if you’ve enabled it for your Apple account. if you haven’t set it, this screen won’t appear.
8) Type your new Apple account password twice and hit Continue to set it.
Method 3: Reset Apple ID password on the web
To initiate a password reset, visit iforgot.apple.com in your browser and follow the steps. Provide as much information as you can. If you cannot access your device, phone number, or email account, choose the appropriate ‘Don’t have access’ option. For more information, refer to this Apple support page.
Keep in mind that it can take several days to fulfill your request. The delay is necessary to ensure a malicious actor isn’t attempting to gain access to your account. It also ensures safety by giving you ample time to take action. For example, if someone else submits a password reset request on the web, the reset won’t be immediate, and you, the account owner, will be informed about the request via email and text messages from Apple so you can cancel the request.
To speed up the process, enter as many details as you can. For example, enter your trusted phone number and authorize it via the verification code emailed or texted to you. And if the SIM for your trusted phone number has been stolen along with your iPhone, get a replacement SIM from your carrier with the same phone number. However, if you only use an @iCloud.com email address with your Apple account, you won’t be able to access the code sent there. As a result, the password reset security delay may be longer.
Related tutorials
To strengthen your online security and save yourself from potential disasters, be sure to check out our tips to keep your Apple account secure. And if you do remember your Apple account password but fogot the passcode on your iPhone, follow these steps to regain access to your device.