Forgot Your Apple ID Password? Here's What to Do

Updated on 11/20/2023 with the latest instructions on resetting your Apple ID password.

Your Apple ID is the key to all of Apple's services, from the App Store to iCloud to Apple TV, and if you've forgotten your password, you can be locked out. But fear not, Apple provides several recovery options to help you regain access to your account.

Reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone or iPad

If you have access to your iPhone or iPad, you can reset your Apple ID password with your device.

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Select [your name] > Sign-in & Security > Change Password.
3. If you are signed into iCloud and have a passcode enabled, you will be prompted to enter the passcode for your device. If you are not signed into iCloud on your device, you'll have to choose another password reset method.
4. Follow the onscreen steps to reset your password.

Reset your Apple ID password on your Mac

If you have access to your Mac, you can reset your Apple ID password on your computer.

If you have a Mac running macOS Ventura or later:

1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Apple ID.
2. Select Password & Security.
3. If you're asked to enter your Apple ID password, click Forgot password and follow the onscreen steps to reset your password.
   
   If you are not asked to enter your Apple ID password, select Change Password. Before you can reset your Apple ID password, you'll be required to enter the password you used to unlock your Mac.

Reset your Apple ID password from another Apple device that uses your Apple ID

1. Go to the Apple ID account page (https://appleid.apple.com/) and click on the Sign In button.
2. Select Forgot password.
3. Enter your email or phone number and the characters in the coded image.
4. Confirm your email address.
5. If you have access to another Apple device that uses your Apple ID, you will see a Reset Password notification. Tap or click on it and then select Allow or Show.
6. Follow the steps to recover your password from there.

Reset your Apple ID password from another Apple device that doesn't use your Apple ID

If you have access to an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later, you can reset your phone using an Apple device that doesn't use your Apple ID. You can use a friend or family member's device or one at an Apple Store.

For iOS 17 or iPadOS 17:

1. Go to the iforgot.apple.com webpage on your friend's device.
2. Tap Reset Password, then follow the steps on your screen.
3. Tap Help Someone Else.
4. Input your email or phone number.
5. Confirm your email address.
6. Follow the steps on your screen to input a new password.

For iOS 15 or 15 or iPadOS 15 or 16:

1. Open the App Store app. Search for Apple Support and download it on your friend's device.
2. Open the Apple Support app. Scroll down to Support Tools.
3. Tap Reset Password, then follow the steps on your screen.
4. Tap Help Someone Else.
5. Input your email or phone number.
6. Confirm your email address.
7. Follow the steps on your screen to input a new password.

[Image credit: Screenshots via Techlicious, MacBook Air image via Canva]

For the past 20+ years, Techlicious founder Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Prior to Techlicious, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and the Senior Technology Editor for Popular Science. Suzanne has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.

Topics

Tips & How-Tos, Computers and Software, Tablets & eReaders, Phones and Mobile, Mobile Apps, iPhone/iPad Apps