Get resetting passwords right

Before you start the reset process, check that your device meets the basic requirements. You need an active internet connection and access to the recovery email address or phone number linked to the account. If you haven’t used your Apple ID in a while, verify which email or phone number is attached to the account in your settings. This ensures you receive the verification code needed to complete the reset.

Make sure you are on a trusted device. If you are resetting the password on a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may need to enter a verification code sent to one of your other trusted Apple devices. If you no longer have access to those devices, the process becomes more complex and may require additional identity verification steps.

Also, consider your password strength. Apple requires passwords to be at least eight characters long, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or common words. A strong password helps prevent future lockouts and keeps your iCloud data secure.

Work through the steps

Resetting your Apple ID password is a straightforward process, but the path varies slightly depending on whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The goal is to verify your identity and set a new credential that meets Apple’s security requirements.

Start by identifying which device you have immediate access to. If you are locked out of all your devices, you will need to use a trusted device or the Apple ID website. For most users, the Settings app on an iPhone or iPad is the fastest entry point.

Resetting passwords
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Open Settings and navigate to your account

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. Tap your name at the very top of the screen. This opens your Apple ID profile. If you are on a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), and click your name in the sidebar.

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Access Sign-In & Security options

Tap Sign-In & Security on iOS/iPadOS, or Password & Security on macOS. You may be asked to enter your current password or use Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode to proceed. This step ensures that only you can change the account credentials.

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Initiate the password change

Select Change Password. The system will prompt you to verify your identity again, typically by entering your device passcode. This dual-verification step is critical; it prevents someone who has physically unlocked your device from hijacking your Apple ID without knowing your passcode.

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Enter and confirm your new password

Type your new password twice. Apple requires passwords to be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or street names, as these are easy for attackers to guess.

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Complete the reset and sign in on other devices

Once you confirm the new password, the change is applied immediately to your Apple ID. You will be signed out of iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services on this device and any other devices linked to the same account. You will need to enter the new password the next time you open these apps or sync data.

If you cannot access your trusted device, visit iforgot.apple.com on any web browser. Enter your Apple ID email address and follow the on-screen instructions to reset via email or phone verification. This method is useful when your primary device is lost or broken.

  • Verify you have access to your trusted phone number or email
  • Create a new password that includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
  • Sign in to your apps with the new password
  • Check if two-factor authentication is enabled for future security

After resetting, verify that your password works by signing in to iCloud.com or the App Store. If you encounter an "Apple ID not found" error, double-check the email address for typos. If the error persists, your account may be locked due to too many failed attempts; wait 15 minutes before trying again.

Fix common mistakes

Resetting your Apple ID password is straightforward, but small errors can lock you out or erase your data. These are the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Using the wrong account

Many users have multiple email addresses or phone numbers linked to their Apple ID. If you enter the wrong email during the reset process, the verification code will never arrive. Double-check the email address you used when you first created the account. If you are unsure, go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your known credentials to see the primary email listed there.

Losing data by signing out too early

Signing out of iCloud before resetting your password can cause data loss. When you sign out, your device may delete local copies of photos, contacts, and documents if they are not backed up to iCloud. Always complete the password reset process while still signed in. After you set the new password, sign back in. Your data will sync automatically.

Forgetting to update trusted devices

Your new password must be used on all your devices. If you forget to update an old iPad or a shared Mac, it will keep trying to use the old password and will repeatedly ask for authentication. After resetting, go to Settings > [Your Name] on each device and sign in again with the new password to keep everything in sync.

Resetting passwords: what to check next