Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

author photo

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

by on December 23, 2022
in Tips & How-Tos, Computers and Software, Tablets & eReaders, Phones and Mobile, Mobile Apps, iPhone/iPad Apps :: 14 comments

Techlicious editors independently review products. To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page.

Updated on 12/23/2022 with current instructions for resetting an Apple ID password using the Apple Support app.

If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, it is possible to reset it so you can regain access to your account. The steps to reset your password depend on how you have security set up for your Apple ID and whether you have access to another Apple device. Here are the ways you can reset your Apple ID password.

Use an Apple device to reset your Apple ID password

Reset your Apple ID password using an Apple device that uses your Apple ID

If you have access to any Apple device that uses your Apple ID, you can reset your password with your Apple device.

Reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Go to the Settings app.
  2. Select [your name] > Password & 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 update your password.

Reset your Apple ID password on your Mac with macOS Catalina or later:

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Apple ID.
  2. Select Password & Security.
  3. If you're asked to enter your Apple ID password, click "Forgot Apple ID or password" and follow the onscreen instructions.

    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 on your Mac with macOS Mojave, High Sierra, or Sierra:

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
  2. Choose Account Details.
  3. If you're asked to enter your Apple ID password, click "Forgot Apple ID or password" and follow the onscreen instructions.

    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 using an iPhone or iPad that DOES NOT use your Apple ID

You can reset your Apple ID password on a friend or family member's iPhone or iPad with the Apple Support app (for devices running iOS 12 or later) or the Find My iPhone app (for devices running iOS 9 through iOS 12).

Use the Apple Support app to reset your Apple ID password

  1. Download the Apple Support app.
  2. Open the Apple Support app and under "Support Tools," select "Reset Password."
  3. Select "Reset Apple ID password."
  4. Select "A different Apple ID."
  5. Enter the Apple ID that you need to reset the password for.
  6. Select" Next," then follow the steps on your screen until you receive confirmation that your Apple ID password is changed.

Use the Find My iPhone app to reset your Apple ID password

  1. Open the Find My iPhone app.
  2. When a "Sign In" screen appears, make sure the Apple ID field is empty. If you see someone else's Apple ID there, erase it. If you do not see a "Sign In" screen, select "Sign Out." After you sign out, make sure the Apple ID field is empty.
  3. Select "Forgot Apple ID or Password," then follow the onscreen steps.

Use a web browser to reset your Apple ID password

How to reset your Apple ID password if you DO NOT have two-factor authentication turned on

If you do not have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID, you can perform a simple password reset by having Apple send you a password reset link to your email or by answering security questions (only if you've already set them up).

  1. Go to the Apple ID account page ( https://appleid.apple.com/) and click on the "Sign In" button.
  2. Select "Forgot Apple ID or password."
  3. Enter your Apple ID.
  4. If you have an account with security questions set up, you can select "Answer security questions" and follow the rest of the steps.
  5. To get an email instead, select "Get an email." The password will be sent to your primary or rescue email address. Use the link in the email to reset your password.

If you are asked for a Recovery Key, that means you have two-factor authentication turned on, and you'll need to use the steps outlined below to reset your Apple ID.

How to reset your Apple ID password if you DO have two-factor authentication turned on

If you do not have access to a trusted Apple device and your Recovery Key, you cannot reset your password. A "trusted device" is an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9 or later, or Mac with OS X El Capitan or later that you've already signed in to using two-factor authentication.

  1. Go to the Apple ID account page ( https://appleid.apple.com/)
  2. Select "Forgot Apple ID or password."
  3. Enter your Apple ID.
  4. Enter your Recovery Key for two-step verification.
  5. Choose a trusted device to receive a verification code.
  6. Enter the verification code.
  7. Create a new password, then select Reset Password.

If you don't know your Recovery Key and haven't forgotten your Apple ID password, go generate a new Recovery Key now and save it in a secure place, like a password manager! To generate a new Recovery Key, go to https://appleid.apple.com/, sign in with your Apple ID and password, scroll down to the "Security" section, click "Edit," and click "Replace Lost Key."

[Image credit: Apple, laptop image via Smartmockups]

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.


Discussion loading

TESTING

From Santa Lucia on April 12, 2021 :: 9:23 am

TESTING

Reply

Why apple sucks/forgotten Apple ID password

From Timothy Tobish on May 19, 2021 :: 5:17 pm

I broke up with Apple about 3 years ago for many reasons. I’ve finally exhausted my Chromebook and need a PC or a Mac. So I started researching, and at some point I wanted to reactivate my Apple ID.

Well, basically you need a “trusted Apple device” or it can takes up to two weeks to simply obtain an Apple iD password.

Thanks to Apple for reminding why I hate your company despite pretty product and why I will be purchasing neither an iMAC or a Macbook, or, god forbid, an iPhone.

Reply

What?

From Helena on April 21, 2023 :: 3:55 pm

Its rude to just say that you hate apple!

Reply

apple id password

From Jojo88 on June 03, 2021 :: 10:28 pm

The method above really helps me. and i hear about some Third-Party software like Joyoshare iPasscode Unlocker is great too, it can also help me to bypass the apple id password,but i am not know more about them and not sure if it’s safe.
Can you please write an article about them?
Thanks.

Reply

I doubt they work

From Josh Kirschner on June 04, 2021 :: 12:06 pm

I am highly skeptical that any of these so-called unlock programs do anything beyond take your money. At most, all they do is provide a software overlay that does exactly what you could just do yourself through iTunes on your computer. Our article provides the simple steps for how to unlock your iPhone if you don’t remember your lock code - no extra software necessary.

Reply

Mac ipad is not purchase by me

From Dattaram on June 29, 2021 :: 11:16 am

Dear Sir,

Apple ipad is not purchase by me One of my colleague is given to me his. He forgot his ID and password. I have tried with itunes but I am not able to format the ipad. May I request to help me. The minimum charges I can pay. My grant daughter can be used for online classes.
Thanks
Dattaram. B

Reply

I forgot my Apple ID

From Davarious wilkerson on August 17, 2021 :: 4:19 pm

I forgot my Apple ID password and I try all my passwords and locked my phone now it’s under lock down and I don’t know what to do

Reply

Do you have two-factor authentication

From Suzanne Kantra on August 17, 2021 :: 5:52 pm

Do you have two-factor authentication turned on? If not, the easiest way to reset your Apple ID password is to go to https://appleid.apple.com/ and choose “Forgot Apple ID or password.”

Reply

trying for two years

From Light on January 08, 2023 :: 10:35 am

we have tried unsuccessfully to have our stepmothers apple id password reset using apple support on another device.  her USER ID is logged in, however, we cannot access settings, or download apps for her because the password was not written down.
We have gone to the apple store and they could not assist and even called apple support and we get to the same waiting period message after following the steps to reset and he expected email to reset never comes…. it is beyond frustrating. im not even sure creating another apple ID for her and doing a complete reset would be useful as find my iphone is turned on and we cannot log into change any of these settings.

Reply

additional infor

From light on January 08, 2023 :: 10:42 am

neglected to mention this is for her iphone which she uses every day so account recovery doesnt appear feasible since you are advised not to use the device during the wait period.

Reply

Mrs S Gill-Wayment

From Sheila Gill-Wayment on March 03, 2023 :: 2:48 am

Paris all-inclusive

Reply

I lost access to my

From Lisa on March 03, 2023 :: 7:53 pm

I lost access to my iCloud and I thought I wouldn’t be able to recover it until I met gray_hackergeek on instagram.Thanks to him I have my iCloud back

Reply

Free Porn Pictures and Best HD Sex Photos

From fq2 on March 03, 2023 :: 10:36 pm

College Girls Porn Pics
http://newhomephotoframe.fetlifeblog.com/?jaiden

teengirl pri porn stream darling porn fresh 18 porn gay porn only dudes free legal porn photos

Reply

Pow way to

From rahmat khan on March 23, 2023 :: 7:03 am

forgot is my id

Reply

Love getting helpful tech tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.