How to Reset Your Apple ID Password: 5 Tested Ways

Ever felt the sinking feeling of forgetting your Apple ID password, losing access to your apps, music, and more? Thankfully, Apple provides several methods for resetting your Apple ID password. In this guide, I’ve explored tested ways to reset your Apple ID password, ensuring secure 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: The most common reason is simply forgetting your password, especially if it’s one you don’t use frequently or recently changed.
2. 🛡️ Security Precaution: If there is any indication your account may have been compromised or if you’ve shared your password with someone, it is wise to reset it to maintain the security of your account.
3. 📱 Device Loss or Theft: If you lose your device or it gets stolen, resetting your Apple ID password can protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access to your Apple services and data.
4. 🔐 Account Lock: After entering an incorrect password multiple times, Apple may lock your account for security reasons. Resetting your password will be necessary to regain access.
5. 🔄 Routine Change: Regularly updating passwords is a good security practice to help safeguard your account against unauthorized access.
6. ⚠️ Two-Factor Authentication Issues: If you’re having trouble with two-factor authentication, sometimes resetting your password can help resolve the issue.
7. 🍏 New Device Setup: When setting up a new Apple device, you might need to reset your password to proceed with the setup if you can’t remember it.

How to Find Your Apple ID Password

You cannot really find your Apple ID password if you’ve forgotten it. There’s no way to retrieve a forgotten Apple ID password, but you can reset it to regain access to Apple services. This is due to Apple’s commitment to user privacy and data security, ensuring your personal information is kept confidential and inaccessible without proper authentication.

Apple offers several user-friendly options to reset your password, allowing you to regain access to Apple services such as iCloud, App Store, iTunes, and more.

How to Reset Your Apple ID Password

Resetting your password not only grants you access to your account but also acts as a security measure, safeguarding your Apple ID from unauthorized access. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a web browser, step-by-step procedures are available to reset the password.

Below, I’ve shared the steps to reset your Apple ID password using different devices.

1. On an iPhone or iPad

Your iPhone and iPad are typically always at hand, making them the go-to options for resetting your Apple ID password. This method is quick and convenient, and you don’t have to perform any additional setup like when using a Mac.

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

If you don’t have access to your iPhone or iPad but you have your Mac, you can easily reset your Apple ID password. However, you must know your Mac password to reset your Apple ID password.

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 also have the option to retrieve your Apple ID password on a new device. This alternative is available on the Apple ID sign-in page during the device’s setup process, applicable to a freshly purchased Apple device or one that hasn’t been linked to your Apple ID.

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 a friend or family member is willing to let you use their Apple device, you can reset your password using the Apple Support app. However, you can only use this app on an iPhone or iPad, and it may not be available in some countries or regions.

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

If you can’t access any of your Apple devices and urgently need to change your Apple ID password, you can do it via the iForgot website. You can conveniently make this change online using any computer and following the prompts on the screen.

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

To prevent potential hassles should you forget your Apple ID password in the future, you must add recovery information to your account. Account Recovery facilitates resetting your Apple ID password via email when the password slips your memory.

You have two options to add future recovery options to your Apple ID password. Below, I’ve explained both.

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)

Another method to regain access to your Apple ID account is using a recovery key. This feature lets you access your account through a trusted device secured with a passcode. It’s a handy alternative if you misplace your Apple ID password, just remember to store a copy of your passcode in a secure location.

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

Securing your Apple ID and knowing how to reset your Apple ID password is a crucial skill for every Apple user. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even without a trusted device at hand, multiple methods are available to regain access to your account.

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