Forgot Your Apple Account Password? How to Reset It and Get Back In

You can’t sign in because you’ve forgotten your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID) password.

Why: With two-factor authentication, you reset the password directly on a device you already trust — no security questions needed. The fastest route is the iPhone, iPad, or Mac you’re already signed in on. Only if you have no trusted device do you fall back to the slower account-recovery process.

Fix 1: Reset from your iPhone or iPad

If you’re still signed in on the device, this takes under a minute.

1. Open Settings, then tap [your name] at the top.
2. Tap Sign-In & Security.
3. Tap Change Password.
4. Enter your device passcode when asked, then follow the prompts to set a new password.

That new password applies to your whole Apple Account everywhere.

Fix 2: Reset from your Mac

1. From the Apple menu, choose System Settings.
2. Click [your name], then click Sign-In & Security.
3. Click Change Password.
4. Enter your Mac login password, then follow the prompts.

Fix 3: Use a friend or family member’s device

If you don’t have your own device handy, you can borrow someone’s iPhone or iPad. Nothing you enter is stored on their device.

1. On the borrowed device, install and open the free Apple Support app.
2. Scroll to Support Tools and tap Reset Password.
3. Tap Help Someone Else.
4. Enter your Apple Account email or phone number, tap Continue, and follow the steps.

You can also go to iforgot.apple.com in any browser and follow the prompts; if a trusted device is available it will guide you there.

Fix 4: No trusted device? Start account recovery

If you can’t use any trusted device and can’t verify your identity, account recovery is the last resort — and it is deliberately slow for security.

1. Go to iforgot.apple.com, choose Reset Password, and follow the prompts to request account recovery.
2. You’ll get an email within 72 hours with the date your access will be restored. The wait is typically several days or longer.
3. Do not turn on or sign in on other devices during the wait — doing so cancels the request and you start over. Keep using only the device you started recovery on.
4. When the period ends, Apple texts or calls with steps to finish and set a new password.

Contacting Apple Support cannot shorten this waiting period — the delay is what keeps an attacker from taking over your account.

FAQ

Will resetting my password log me out everywhere? You may be asked to re-enter the new password on your other devices and services, but your data and purchases stay intact.

I have a Recovery Key set up — does that change things? Yes. If you previously created a Recovery Key or added a recovery contact, you can use those to reset your password without the long account-recovery wait.

Is “Apple ID” the same as “Apple Account”? Yes. Apple renamed Apple ID to Apple Account; the login and password are the same.

Sources: Apple Support — If you forgot your Apple Account password, Apple Support — How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password