iForgot Password Reset and Account Recovery

Use Apple’s official iForgot password reset process or a trusted Apple device to create a new Apple Account password. If neither method can verify your identity, start account recovery and wait for Apple’s instructions.

Apple ID is now called Apple Account, but the email address or phone number and password used to sign in remain the same.

How do I start an iForgot password reset?

The iForgot password reset begins on Apple’s official iForgot page. Have the email address or phone number associated with your Apple Account ready before starting.

1. Open the company’s official website and select the option to reset your password.
2. Enter the email address or phone number used for your Apple Account.
3. Follow the prompts shown for your account and available devices.
4. If the browser directs you to a trusted device, continue on that device and follow its instructions.
5. Create a new password when Apple confirms that you can reset it.

Only enter account details when you are using the verified Apple page. An iForgot password request may follow a different route depending on whether you can use a trusted device, receive a code at a trusted phone number, or use another recovery method already connected to the account.

How does iForgot verify my identity?

A trusted device is an Apple device that is already signed in to your Apple Account with two-factor authentication. Apple may use a trusted device or trusted phone number to confirm that the reset request belongs to you.

The official process may ask for information associated with the account and then present the verification choices available for that specific account. Depending on your setup, those choices can include:

• Approving a prompt on a trusted device.
• Entering the passcode used to unlock an eligible device.
• Using a verification code delivered to a trusted phone number.
• Getting help from an account recovery contact that you previously added.
• Providing a recovery key if you previously enabled that security method.

Read every prompt carefully and provide only what Apple requests. Never give a password, device passcode, verification code, or recovery key to an unexpected caller or message sender.

How do I reset the password on a trusted Apple device?

A trusted device that is already signed in is generally the simplest place to complete an iForgot password reset.

On an eligible iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name.
3. Tap Sign-In & Security.
4. Tap Change Password.
5. Enter the device passcode and follow the onscreen instructions.

On an eligible Mac:

1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
2. Click your name.
3. Click Sign-In & Security.
4. Click Change Password.
5. Enter the password used to unlock the Mac and follow the onscreen instructions.

Apple may apply an additional security delay when certain device-protection settings and circumstances require it. Follow the time and instructions displayed on the device rather than repeatedly restarting the reset.

How can I recover my Apple Account without a trusted device?

If you do not have your own trusted device but still have access to the trusted phone number, Apple allows you to use the Apple Support app on a borrowed iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the Apple Support app on the borrowed device.
2. Go to Support Tools and choose Reset Password.
3. Select Help Someone Else.
4. Enter your Apple Account email address or phone number.
5. Follow the instructions presented by the app.

You may also visit an Apple Store and ask to use a device. Apple says information entered through the Help Someone Else process is not stored on the borrowed device.

If you cannot use a trusted device or trusted phone number, follow the iForgot prompts to attempt account recovery. Account recovery is Apple’s process for regaining access when the normal password-reset methods cannot verify you immediately.

If you previously added a recovery contact, follow the onscreen directions and contact that person directly. A recovery contact can generate a code for you but cannot access your account. If you enabled a recovery key, the standard account recovery process may not be available, so use the recovery options Apple displays for that security setup.

How do I check an Apple account recovery request?

To check account recovery status, return to the company’s official website and enter the same Apple Account email address or phone number used to start the request. Apple will show how long remains before the account is ready for recovery or when more information will become available.

Apple also sends confirmation with an expected recovery date and time. When the waiting period ends, Apple sends instructions for regaining access. If those instructions do not arrive, return to the official iForgot process after the stated period and follow the prompts.

While recovery is pending:

• Follow the instructions in Apple’s confirmation message.
• Turn off other devices signed in to the Apple Account, because using the account can cancel the request.
• If recovery was started in Settings, System Settings, or the Apple Support app, continue using only the specific device Apple permits during the waiting period.
• Do not start repeated requests in an attempt to shorten the wait.

Apple Support cannot shorten the account recovery waiting period. If you remember the required information and sign in successfully, Apple says the pending recovery request is canceled automatically.

How do I get official Apple support for account recovery?

If self-service recovery does not work, use the verified Apple support options shown on this page. Explain which reset method you tried, what screen or message appeared, and whether you can access a trusted device or trusted phone number.

Apple Support can help explain official options and troubleshoot the reset process, but support representatives cannot bypass identity checks or accelerate an active account recovery waiting period. Do not use third-party recovery services or share security codes with anyone claiming they can override Apple’s process.