How to Reset Your Apple ID Password: 5 Tested Ways

Forgot your Apple ID password? Don’t worry! This guide covers tested methods to securely reset your Apple ID password and regain access to your data. Let’s get started!

Why Would You Need to Reset Your Apple ID Password?

There are various reasons why you might need to reset your Apple ID password, including:

1. 🔒 Forgotten Password: Common when the password is infrequent or recently changed.
2. 🛡️ Security Precaution: Reset if your account may be compromised.
3. 📱 Device Loss or Theft: Protect data by resetting after loss or theft.
4. 🔐 Account Lock: Multiple wrong attempts require a password reset.
5. 🔄 Routine Change: Regular changes enhance account security.
6. ⚠️ Two-Factor Authentication Issues: Resetting can resolve authentication problems.
7. 🍏 New Device Setup: Reset if needed during new device setup.

How to Reset Your Apple ID Password

Resetting your password secures your Apple ID and restores access. Below, I’ve shared the steps to reset your Apple ID password using different devices.

1. On an iPhone or iPad

To reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings.
2. Click your name at the top.
3. Tap Password & Security.
4. Tap Change Password.
5. Your device will ask you for the device passcode. Enter the passcode.
6. Type the new Apple ID password in the two fields.
7. Tap Change in the top-right corner, and it will reset your password.

2. On a Mac

Here are the steps to reset your Apple ID password on your Mac:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings.

2. Click your Apple ID and select Password & Security.

3. Click the Change Password button next to Password.

4. If prompted, enter your Mac’s password and click Allow.

5. On the new window, type your new password into the two fields and click Change.

3. On a New Device

You can reset your Apple ID password during setup on a new or unlinked Apple device. To reset your Apple ID password on a new device, follow these steps:

1. Begin the device setup and select Forgot Apple ID or Password? when prompted.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the setup.
3. Then, select an app that requires signing in with your Apple ID.

4. On a Borrowed Device

If you have an iPhone or iPad that supports the Apple Support app, follow the steps below to reset your Apple ID password:

1. Launch the Apple Support app on the device. You can download it from the App Store if it’s not already installed.
2. Navigate to Passwords & Security.
3. Then, tap Reset Apple ID password > Get Started.
4. Choose A different Apple ID.
5. Type your Apple ID and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.

5. Online Using the iForgot Website

Here are the steps to change your Apple ID password using the iForgot website:

1. Open a browser and navigate to Apple’s iForgot website.
2. Input your Apple ID email and enter the characters displayed on the image. Then, click Continue.

3. You’ll see the cellphone numbers associated with your iCloud account, displaying only the last two digits. Enter the complete cellphone number associated with your Apple ID and click Continue.

4. Verify the Apple devices signed in to your iCloud account (they will be displayed on the screen) and choose Allow on your mobile device or Show on your Mac.
5. Proceed by following the on-screen instructions to reset your Apple ID password.

Add Future Recovery Information After Resetting Your Apple ID Password

Add recovery info to your Apple ID to easily reset your password via email if forgotten. Here are two ways to set it up.

1. Add Recovery Contact

This method involves selecting a trusted individual, such as a friend or family member, who can assist in recovering your account when necessary. Here are the steps to configure it:

For Mac

To add a recovery contact on your Mac, you can follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.

2. Click your name (Apple ID) and select Password & Security.

3. Click the Manage button next to Account Recovery.

4. Click the small + button.

5. Click Add Recovery Contact.

6. Authenticate with Touch ID or your Mac password.

After completing these steps, you can choose a contact to be your recovery contact. This person can help you regain access to your account if you ever get locked out.

For iPhone (iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later)

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Tap on your name > Password & Security > Account Recovery > Add Recovery Contact.
3. Select Add Recovery Contact once more.
4. Input the name of your contact in the provided space or choose from the Suggested contacts.
5. Once complete, tap Add in the top-right corner.

2. Add Recovery Key (iOS 11 or macOS High Sierra or later)

Use a recovery key with a trusted device to regain Apple ID access. Store the passcode securely for future use.

For Mac

To set up a recovery key on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon and select System Settings.

2. Select Apple ID and click Password & Security.

3. Scroll down the right side and click Manage next to Account Recovery.

4. Click Manage next to Recovery Key: Off.

5. Tap the Turn On button at the top right of the pop-up.

6. Note your recovery key and store it somewhere secure.
7. Click Continue.
8. Next, verify your recovery key by entering it on the next screen.

For iPhone or iPad

To set up a recovery key on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on your name > Password & Security > Account Recovery > Recovery Key.
3. Switch the Recovery Key on.
4. A prompt for confirmation will appear. Select Use Recovery Key.
5. If asked, input your device’s passcode and follow to the on-screen instructions to finalize the setup.

Reset Your Apple ID Password on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

Knowing how to reset your Apple ID password is essential. Multiple methods ensure access, whether on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or without a trusted device. Here are a few more tips to secure your Mac:

• If your MacBook password is not working, you won’t be able to reset your Apple ID password via your Mac. So, make sure you have a working Mac password.
• You can reset your Mac password if you’ve forgotten it.
• If you can’t remember your system password and can’t reset it, learn how to remove the password from your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions