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Fix a forgotten Apple ID password

We'll walk you through resetting your Apple ID password via iforgot.apple.com, trusted devices, or account recovery—or when to contact Apple Support.

Troubleshooting · Accounts & access
5–30 min (or 24 hours–several days for account recovery)
What you'll need
  • Access to a web browser or trusted Apple device
  • Trusted phone number or recovery email
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Steps

Goal: Reset your Apple ID password via iforgot.apple.com, trusted devices, or account recovery.

  • Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID (email).
  • Good: You see options to reset. Proceed to Trusted phone path or Account recovery path.
  • Bad: You do not remember your Apple ID—try common emails or check old devices.

Trusted phone path

Goal: Reset using a trusted phone number that receives verification codes.

  • Select “Use trusted phone number” at iforgot.apple.com. Apple sends a code via SMS or call.
  • Enter the code when prompted. Set a new password and confirm it.
  • Good: Password reset. Sign out and sign back in on all devices.
  • Bad: Code not received—check the phone number, try account recovery.

Account recovery path

Goal: Recover your account when you do not have access to trusted devices.

  • Select “Start account recovery” at iforgot.apple.com. Enter a phone number where Apple can reach you.
  • Apple verifies your identity. This can take 24 hours to several days. Check status at iforgot.apple.com.
  • Good: Account recovered. Set a new password and sign back in.
  • Bad: Recovery failed or taking too long—contact Apple Support.

Reset from trusted device

Goal: Change password directly from a trusted iPhone or iPad.

  • On the device, go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.
  • Enter your device passcode. Enter and confirm the new password.
  • Good: Password updated. Sign back in on other devices.
  • Bad: Device not trusted or passcode forgotten—use iforgot.apple.com.

When to get help

Contact Apple Support if:

  • Account recovery fails or you cannot verify your identity.
  • You are locked out with no way to receive verification codes.
  • Recovery is taking longer than the estimated time.

Have your Apple ID and any proof of purchase ready.

Verification

  • You can sign in to appleid.apple.com and all Apple devices with the new password.
  • Two-factor authentication is enabled.
  • You have added a recovery contact or recovery key for future recovery.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Try iforgot.apple.com Enter Apple ID and choose trusted phone or account recovery.
  2. Reset from trusted device Use Settings on iPhone or iPad to change password.
  3. Account recovery Start recovery and wait for Apple to verify identity.
  4. Contact Apple Support Call or chat if recovery fails or you cannot verify.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Apple ID (email)
  • Trusted phone numbers on file
  • Whether account recovery was started
  • Steps already tried

Do you have access to a trusted phone number or device?

Trusted devices and phone numbers receive verification codes. If you have one, you can reset quickly.

Check if you have the phone or device that receives Apple verification codes. Yes: go to iforgot.apple.com and choose trusted phone. No: start account recovery.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reset via trusted phone number

Apple will send a code via SMS or call. Enter it to set a new password.

Go to iforgot.apple.com. Enter your Apple ID. Select "Use trusted phone number." Enter the code you receive. Set a new password. Good: password reset. Bad: code not received—check phone number, try account recovery.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Start account recovery

Apple verifies your identity. Can take 24 hours to several days.

At iforgot.apple.com, select "Start account recovery." Enter a phone number where Apple can reach you. Wait for verification. Check status at iforgot.apple.com. Good: account recovered, password reset. Bad: recovery failed—contact Apple Support.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Password reset complete

Sign out and sign back in on all devices with the new password. Add a recovery contact or recovery key for the future.

Done

Contact Apple Support

Contact Apple Support if account recovery failed or you cannot verify your identity. Have your Apple ID and proof of purchase ready.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

How do I reset my Apple ID password if I forgot it?
Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID, and follow the prompts. You can reset via a trusted phone number (SMS or call) or start account recovery. If you have a trusted iPhone or iPad, you can also reset from Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.
What if I do not have access to my trusted phone number?
Start account recovery at iforgot.apple.com. Apple will verify your identity and may take 24 hours to several days. Add a recovery contact or recovery key in advance to speed future recoveries.
When should I contact Apple Support for a forgotten Apple ID password?
Contact Apple Support if account recovery fails, you cannot verify your identity, or you are locked out of your account and have no way to receive verification codes.

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