Fix Forgot Apple ID Password: Reset Steps
If you forgot your Apple ID password, reset it from a trusted Apple device or Apple’s official password-reset process. Apple ID is now called Apple Account, but your existing email address or phone number and account details still work.
Have your account email address or phone number, a trusted device, and access to your trusted phone number ready if possible. Never give a verification code, recovery key, or password to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Where do you start an Apple ID password reset?
Open {site} and choose the option for a forgotten password or password reset. Apple may direct you to its iForgot process, ask for the email address or phone number connected to your Apple Account, and then show the recovery methods available for that account.
If your search was “forgot my Apple ID Apple ID password” or “Apple ID sign in forgot password,” first confirm that you are entering the correct account identifier. Check an Apple device already signed in to the account, previous Apple messages, or account settings for the email address or phone number associated with it.
Which Apple ID password reset options are available?
Apple shows only the reset options that apply to your account and security setup. You may not see every method listed here.
Trusted device: An iPhone, iPad, or Mac already signed in to your Apple Account can verify that the account belongs to you. This is generally the most direct way to reset an Apple ID password.
Trusted phone number: Apple may send a verification code or provide another identity-check step using a number previously connected to the account.
Email: Some accounts may receive reset instructions at an eligible email address. Follow only messages generated by a reset you requested.
Security questions: Older accounts that still use security questions may be asked for the answers originally saved with the account.
Recovery key: A recovery key is a secret code created when that optional security method was enabled. If you enabled a recovery key, Apple may require it together with access to a trusted phone number or device.
Recovery contact: If you previously selected a recovery contact, that person may be able to generate a recovery code. The contact cannot see or enter your account.
Use the method Apple displays rather than repeatedly guessing answers or codes. Too many unsuccessful attempts can delay access.
How do you reset an Apple ID password on an iPhone or iPad?
Use an iPhone or iPad already signed in to your Apple Account when one is available.
Open Settings and tap your name.
Tap Sign-In & Security.
Tap Change Password.
Enter the passcode used to unlock the device.
Follow the onscreen instructions to create and confirm a new password.
If the device is not signed in, open Settings, choose the Apple Account sign-in option, and select the forgotten-password choice shown on the screen. Apple will ask for the account email address or phone number and an available verification method.
A security delay may apply when Stolen Device Protection is active and the device is away from a familiar location. Follow the time and instructions displayed by the device instead of restarting the request.
How do you reset an Apple ID password in a browser or on Windows?
Use Apple’s official reset process when no trusted Apple device is available. A Windows PC, shared computer, or mobile browser can begin the same Apple ID password reset.
Open {site} and select the password-reset or forgotten-password option.
Enter the email address or phone number used for the Apple Account.
Complete the security check shown by Apple.
Select an available trusted number, device, email, security-question, or recovery method if Apple offers a choice.
Enter the requested code or information and follow the prompts to set a new password.
The browser may send instructions to a trusted Apple device. If you are using a shared computer, do not save the new password in that browser, and sign out when finished.
What should you do if Apple ID recovery options fail?
Apple ID account recovery is the identity-verification process used when two-factor authentication is enabled but you cannot reset the password normally. Try every trusted device, trusted number, recovery contact, and saved recovery key before starting it.
Choose the option saying that you cannot use the displayed recovery method.
Provide a phone number where Apple can reach you, if requested.
Confirm the account recovery request and record the status information Apple provides.
Wait for Apple’s notification, then follow the instructions to regain access.
Account recovery can take several days or longer, and Apple Support cannot shorten the security waiting period. After starting recovery on the web, avoid using devices still signed in to that Apple Account because account activity may cancel or delay the request. Apple will never ask you to tell a support representative your password, verification code, or recovery key.
What should you do after resetting your Apple ID password?
Sign back in when prompted on each iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows app, Apple TV, or other device using the account.
Update the password in your password manager and remove outdated saved copies.
Check Sign-In & Security to confirm that your trusted phone numbers are current and that two-factor authentication is configured correctly.
Review the devices connected to the account and remove any device you do not recognize or control.
Update recovery contacts or securely store a replacement recovery key if you use those features.
How do you contact Apple Support when the reset gets stuck?
Use the official Apple Support section and choose Apple Account, password reset, or sign-in help. Apple may offer support choices based on your device and location.
Support can explain an error, help identify the correct reset path, or confirm whether account recovery is pending. Support cannot reveal your password, bypass identity checks, provide a missing recovery key, or shorten an account recovery waiting period.