Forgetting an Apple ID password can block iCloud, App Store, Apple Music, Find My, and device sign-in. The fastest reset path depends on whether you still have a trusted Apple device signed in.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Apple ID sign-in on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, iCloud for Windows, and iCloud.com when the password no longer works.
Reset from a trusted device
This is usually the quickest method because Apple already trusts the device.
- On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings. On a Mac, open System Settings.
- Select your name or Apple ID banner.
- Open Sign-In & Security, then choose Change Password.
- Enter the device passcode or Mac password if prompted.
- Type the new Apple ID password twice and save it.
- Return to the locked-out device or service and sign in with the new password.
Reset from the locked device itself
Use this when the sign-in screen offers recovery options.
- On the Apple ID, iCloud, or App Store sign-in screen, tap Forgot Password or Forgot Apple ID or Password.
- Enter the Apple ID email address.
- Choose the verification method Apple offers, such as recovery email, security questions for older accounts, trusted phone, or approval from another signed-in device.
- Complete the verification and set a new password.
- Sign back in on the device with the new password.
Use iforgot.apple.com from any browser
This works from a computer, borrowed phone, or non-Apple device.
- Go to iforgot.apple.com.
- Enter your Apple ID email address.
- Choose the available verification method, such as trusted phone number, trusted device, or account recovery.
- Complete the prompts and create a new password.
- Sign in again on every Apple device that asks for the updated password.
More control
Account Recovery can take time
If Apple cannot verify you through quick methods, it may start Account Recovery with a waiting period. That delay protects the account from takeover attempts and usually cannot be skipped.
Set up stronger recovery now
Two-factor authentication helps future resets because Apple can verify you through trusted devices. A Recovery Contact or Recovery Key can also help, but store a Recovery Key carefully because losing it can make recovery much harder.
Expect device re-verification
After a reset, Apple may sign you out or ask for the new password on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple Pay, and App Store purchases. That is normal after a security change.
Sources
- Apple Support – If you forgot your Apple ID password (2025)
- Apple Support – Reset your Apple ID password (2025)
- Apple Support – Apple ID account security (2025)