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In America, 300 million people use a smartphone, which is around 90% of the population — Apple claims 49% of that market share. Although the iPhone is Apple Inc.’s main revenue source, Apple offers additional features and services that touch every part of people’s lives, such as computers, watches, TV services, gaming, credit cards, and much more.

Your Apple ID password is essential for access to the services you use with your created Apple ID. The Apple App Store, iTunes store, iCloud, and FaceTime are just some of the utilities accessible by this secure password. By keeping your password secure, you can ensure that only you have access to your personal information.

If you forget your Apple ID password, there are many ways to reset it. Read below for an in-depth explanation of how to reset your password on each Apple device.

Reset your Apple ID password on an iPhone or iPad

If you would like to reset your password directly on your device, you can change your Apple ID password in the Settings app. Here are the steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on your name.
   
3. Click on Password & Security and click Change Password.
   
4. If prompted, enter your device passcode.
5. Enter your new password.
   
6. Look for a verification email from Apple regarding the Apple password reset.

This same process will also work on an iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch. Once you reset your password, you can use it to sign in to your main Apple account page and make other changes to your account.

Reset your Apple ID password on a Mac

You may try to use your Apple Macbook or iMac and discover that you cannot log in to your device. To access your Mac, take a peek at the steps below:

1. Ensure you are at the login window. If you are at the switch user window, select your name to change to the login view.
   

   Image from Apple Support

2. Attempt your password up to three times until you receive a password-reset option.
3. Choose your preferred password-reset option.

Option 1: Restart and show password options

If this option comes up for you, click it to restart your Mac, and then follow the prompts. You could be asked to sign in with your Apple ID and/or to enter a verification code sent to another device. If prompted, enter your FileVault recovery key. You would have turned the key on initially as a recovery option versus using iCloud.

1. Select your name and then click Next.
2. Enter your new password and then click Next.
3. After the reset is completed, click Restart.

Option 2: Reset your password with your Apple ID

1. Click the option to reset your password with your Apple ID. If your computer restarts, then follow the steps for option 1 listed above. If your computer does not restart but asks for your Apple ID, enter it and click on Reset Password.
2. If you are prompted to create a new keychain, click OK to restart.
3. If you are asked to select an admin user, click Forgot all passwords.
4. If a window is displayed with an option to Deactivate Mac, click it and then click on Deactivate to confirm (temporary deactivation).
5. Enter your new password and click on Next.
6. Restart your Mac once the Apple password reset has finished.

Option 3: Reset your password with your recovery key

1. Select the recovery key option and enter your FileVault recovery key.
2. Enter your new password and hit Reset Password.

If you can’t get these options to work for you, there are additional steps you can take to reset your password.

Reset your Apple ID password with the Apple Support app

The Apple Support app is a convenient way to reset your Apple ID password if you do not have your device but do remember your phone number. Per the Apple website, you can borrow a device at your local Apple Store for a password reset. You could also borrow a device from a friend or family member. Here are the steps for resetting your password with the Support app:

1. Ensure the Apple Support app is downloaded from the App Store.
2. Go to Support Tools and then click on Reset Password.
3. Click A different Apple ID.
4. Enter your Apple ID, hit Next, and follow the prompts to reset your password

Reset your Apple ID password on a new Apple device

You may wonder what to do if you get a new Apple device yet have forgotten your Apple password. You can still change your password seamlessly while setting up your new iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

1. If you are not signed in to your Apple ID with your new device, select Forgot Apple ID or password? when the option emerges.
2. During your device activation, locate the Forgot Apple ID or password? button to change your password. After setup, you can select another option that will ask you to sign in.
3. From your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, find the Settings app and click on Messages.
4. From your Mac, select the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), then tap on Sign in with Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID there.

Reset your Apple ID password on the web

If you are traveling or end up in a situation without your device, yet need to change your password, don’t worry. You can change your password anywhere in the world by visiting iforgot.apple.com:

1. Type iforgot.apple.com into your web browser.
2. Enter your Apple ID login and the CAPTCHA code.
   
3. Confirm your phone number.
   
4. Follow the instructions on your iPhone for a password reset. If you do not have your phone, select Don’t have access to your iPhone? at the bottom of the screen.
5. Select from the listed options.
   

6. If none of these options are available to you, click on Can’t use any of these options? at the bottom of the screen.

7. On the next page, click Continue anyway.

8. Follow the prompts for identity verification with Apple.

Be aware that Apple warns it could take several days for the password reset to take place. They also advise that contacting Apple Support will not shorten the waiting period.

Settings for future Apple ID password recovery

All Apple users are protected by standard data protection, but there are ways to be proactive when it comes to future password recovery efforts. Apple gives you the ability to completely own the account recovery process by setting up a recovery contact or account recovery keys.

Apple has recently introduced these methods as “advanced data protection,” which is also known as end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption is a safer way to store your data and protect your Apple password.

Add Account Recovery Contacts

One backup recovery method is to add a friend or family member as your recovery contact. This trusted individual can help you reset your password from their Apple device.

1. Go to Settings and click on your name.
2. Hit Password & Security.
3. Click Account Recovery.
4. Click Add Recovery Contact.

Another backup recovery tool is to generate your own unique recovery key for your account. The recovery key is a 28-character string that should be kept in a safe place until you need to reset your Apple password. Instructions on how to set up your recovery key for your iPhone are listed below.

1. Go to Settings and click on your name.
2. Hit Password & Security.
3. Tap Recovery Key and slide to turn it on.
4. Click Use Recovery Key and enter your device passcode.
5. Write down your recovery key and store it in a safe location.
6. Validate your recovery key by entering it on the following screen.

Apple ID password FAQs

+

How do I find my Apple ID password?

To find your Apple ID password, you can use the standard methods for account recovery with your Apple device or by using the website — both methods are outlined in this article. If you have enabled advanced data protection, you will need to use your account recovery contact or account recovery key to retrieve your password information.

+

How do I reset my Apple ID password without a password or phone number?

You can reset your Apple ID password without a password or phone number by visiting iforgot.apple.com and following the prompts. Please note that it could take several days or more for your new password to be generated, as Apple Support cannot help speed up the manual verification process.

+

Why do I have to wait 13 days to reset my Apple ID password?

Because recovering your password on iforgot.apple.com is automated, Apple Support cannot speed up the verification process. Through a discussion forum on their website, it seems that their account security team can answer basic questions during the waiting period.

Bottom line

From your smartphone to how you listen to music, your Apple ID allows you to securely access features that affect many aspects of your daily life. Maintaining a strong password allows you to access these benefits without having to worry about having your personal data stolen.

If you suddenly forget your Apple ID password, there are many ways to secure your account, depending on your device and personal situation. Apple allows you to continue to access their standard data protection during the password recovery process, and there are now advanced data protection options available to you as well.

Author Details

Robin Moore

About the Author

Robin Moore is a freelance writer and editor specializing in blockchain technology, including wallet
security and data privacy. She is the current Managing Editor for Watcher.Guru, a startup blockchain
and finance news publication with 1.7 million followers on Twitter. Robin has also been the lead
content editor with Genfinity.IO, another startup blockchain research publication. Before entering the
Web3 space, she was a business analyst within the oil and gas industry.
When she is not offering advice on the best ways to protect data privacy, she is hiking, doing yoga, or
networking with her Web3 family on crypto-Twitter.