How to reset your Apple ID password if you’ve forgotten it or lost your device

• You can reset your Apple ID password in Settings, via iForgot, or with a friend’s device.
• You can also reset your Apple ID on a Mac or by using Apple’s new account recovery feature. 
• Your options to reset your password will depend on your device and security settings. 

Forgetting a password can feel like the end of the world, especially when it’s the password to an account like your Apple ID. 

Your Apple ID gives you access to your iCloud, devices, and more. So, without it, you could be locked out of an essential part of your personal and even professional life. 

Here are a few methods you can use to reset your Apple ID password.

How to reset your Apple ID password on an iPhone or iPad

There are several methods you can use to reset your Apple ID password.

Via the Settings app

1. Go into the Settings app and tap your name at the top, then choose Password & Security, followed by Change password. 

2. Type in the passcode you unlock your device with, then add a new password in the fields on the next screen and select Change. 

3. You’ll have to enter that new password on your other Apple devices

Choose Change password.

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Using the iForgot website

1. Go to iForgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID, then hit Continue. 

2. Enter your device’s passcode, as prompted, then hit Continue. 

3. Enter your new desired password twice, then hit Next or Change, depending on the device.

Enter your Apple ID to change your password.

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Through a friend’s device

If you don’t have access to your own iPhone or iPad, you can ask a friend to help you, either via the Apple Support  app (newer devices) or Find My iPhone (iOS 9 through 12).

Apple Support app: Once your friend has the app installed, they’d open the app and then tap Passwords & Security. From there, they’d choose Reset Apple ID password followed by Get Started, and then A different Apple ID. Finally, they’d enter your Apple ID, set up the new password, and follow the prompts until the confirmation message appears.

Find My iPhone: Your friend would go into the Find My iPhone app and, when prompted to sign in, they’d need to make sure the Apple ID field is blank. Then they’d tap Forgot Apple ID or Password and follow the onscreen prompts.

With two-factor authentication

If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll need to change your password using either a device you’ve already approved, or through a web browser. 

You’ll need to have the recovery key you set up, too. (Unfortunately, Apple cannot provide your recovery key for you, so you’ll need to keep that handy when you set it up.)

To reset your Apple ID password, you’d use the same steps as listed for the iForgot website method. But instead of your device passcode, you’d be prompted to enter your recovery key.

How to reset your Apple ID password on a Mac

1. Click the Apple menu, located in the top-left corner of the screen and hit System Preferences.

2. Choose Apple ID. (If you have earlier versions of macOS, you’d need to instead go to iCloud, then Account Details.)

Choose Apple ID.

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3. Select Password & Security (or Security, for older operating systems) followed by Change Password.

Choose Password & Security.

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4. If prompted, enter an administrator’s account password and then click Ok.

5. Enter your new password twice, as prompted then click Change.

Enter your new password twice.

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As mentioned earlier, you could instead use the iForgot website to reset your Apple ID password on a Mac.

How to reset your Apple ID using Apple’s account recovery feature

Another option is Apple’s new recovery feature, which lets you reset your Apple ID via trusted contacts. Before you use this feature, make sure your various devices are fully updated.

Here’s how to choose trusted contacts on an iPhone:

1. Go into the Settings app and tap your name, located at the top of the screen

2. Tap Password & Security.

3. Choose Account Recovery.

Tap Account Recovery.

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4. Select Add Recovery Contact twice.

Select Add Recovery Contact.

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5. Enter your Apple ID password and follow the prompts to choose the desired recovery contacts.

Once that’s set up, you’d simply call a trusted recovery contact from your iPhone if you get locked out, and they would send you a code to get back in.

Devon Delfino

Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at 

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