How to Update Your Apple ID Password

You can change your Apple ID password from the settings on a trusted Apple device or through Apple’s account website. If you forgot the password, use Apple’s password-reset process to verify your identity and regain access.

Apple now calls an Apple ID an Apple Account, but your existing sign-in details still work. An Apple ID password update changes the password used for Apple services associated with that account.

Where do I update my Apple ID password?

The most direct route is a trusted device, meaning an Apple device that is already signed in to your account and protected by a device passcode or Mac login password.

• On an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro, open Settings, tap your name, choose Sign-In & Security, and tap Change Password.
• On a Mac, open the Apple menu, select System Settings, click your name, choose Sign-In & Security, and click Change Password.
• On the web, open {site}, find Apple Account Support, and select the option to sign in or reset your password.

A trusted device is usually the simplest choice because Apple can use the device passcode or Mac password to confirm that the device belongs to you. The web process may direct you to a trusted device when one is available.

How do I change my Apple ID password when I remember it?

If you are signed in and still know your current credentials, complete the Apple ID update password process from a trusted iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, or Mac.

1. Open Settings on an iPhone or iPad, or System Settings on a Mac.
2. Select your name, then select Sign-In & Security.
3. Select Change Password.
4. Enter the passcode used to unlock the iPhone or iPad, or the login password used to unlock the Mac.
5. Follow the displayed instructions to create and confirm the new account password.

Read each prompt before continuing. Apple may present different verification steps depending on your device, security settings, and account status. If Stolen Device Protection applies on an iPhone, Apple may require a security delay before allowing a critical account change.

After the change, follow any prompts to update your sign-in information on Apple devices or services. Do not repeatedly enter the old password if a device reports that it can no longer connect to the account.

How do I reset my Apple ID password when I have forgotten it?

Start with a trusted Apple device that is already signed in. You will need its device passcode or Mac login password.

1. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, select Sign-In & Security, and tap Change Password. On a Mac, use the equivalent options in System Settings.
2. Enter the device passcode or Mac login password when requested.
3. Follow Apple’s onscreen identity checks and password-reset instructions.
4. Create a new password and complete any prompts for signing back in.

If you do not have your own trusted device, you can use the Apple Support app on a borrowed Apple device. Open Support Tools, select Reset Password, choose Help Someone Else, enter the email address or phone number associated with your Apple Account, and follow the prompts. Apple says the information entered for this process is not stored on the borrowed device.

You can also begin on the web through Apple Account Support. Have your Apple Account email address or phone number and access to your trusted phone number or another available verification method. The exact checks depend on the security information connected to your account.

What should I do if my Apple ID is locked?

Apple may automatically lock or disable an account for security reasons after account information is entered incorrectly too many times. If the message says the account was disabled or locked for security reasons, reset the password using Apple’s official recovery process.

If an alert says the Apple Account is locked or not active, look for Request Access in the alert and follow the displayed instructions. Do not keep guessing passwords or verification codes.

If Apple cannot verify you immediately, you may be offered account recovery. Account recovery is a security process that restores access after a waiting period when the normal password-reset methods do not work.

1. Start account recovery only after trying a trusted device and the standard reset options.
2. Record the confirmation information and the estimated date or time Apple provides.
3. Follow Apple’s instructions about using devices signed in to the account while recovery is pending. Using the account on another signed-in device can cancel the request.
4. Wait for Apple’s text, automated call, email, or onscreen instructions, depending on the account information available.

The wait can last several days or longer, and Apple Support cannot shorten it. If you regain access by signing in successfully, Apple says the recovery waiting period is canceled automatically.

How do I get help from Apple Support with account access?

Open {site}, choose Apple Account Support, and select the option for password recovery, a locked account, or getting additional support. Use only Apple’s official support choices and prompts.

Before contacting support, have the email address or phone number used for your Apple Account, the exact error message, and a trusted device if one is available. Never send your password, device passcode, or verification code to someone claiming they can recover the account. Apple Support can explain available recovery routes, but it cannot bypass identity checks or reduce an account-recovery waiting period.

How do I keep my Apple ID secure after changing the password?

• Use a new password that you do not use for another account.
• Keep two-factor authentication enabled. Two-factor authentication requires an additional identity check when someone signs in on a new device or browser.
• Review the devices connected to your Apple Account and remove any device you do not recognize.
• Check that your trusted phone numbers and other recovery information are current.
• Consider setting up an account recovery contact through Apple’s security settings.
• Never share verification codes, passwords, or device passcodes by message or phone.
• Treat unexpected password-reset notices as suspicious. Start any review from your device settings or Apple’s official support area.

If you did not request the password change, secure the account immediately and review its trusted devices and security details.