Are you unable to sign in to your Apple account because you’ve forgotten your password or no longer remember the email address or phone number you used? Apple offers several ways to regain access. If you have a trusted device, that is usually the fastest option. If not, you can try resetting your password on the web or initiate account recovery if necessary.
If you have a trusted Apple device
If your iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, or Mac is already signed in to your Apple account, resetting your password is usually easy.
On iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch
Open Settings
Tap your name at the top
Select Sign-In & Security
Tap Change Password
Enter your device passcode
Create and confirm a new password
On Mac
Open the Apple menu
Go to System Preferences (or System Settings)
Click on your account name
Open Sign-In & Security
Select Change Password
Enter the Mac password you use to unlock your device
Follow the steps to set a new Apple account password
Reset your password on the web
If you don’t have access to a trusted device, go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the instructions.
Apple may ask you to:
Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Apple account
Verify your identity
Use your trusted phone number or trusted device, if available
In some cases, Apple will attempt to move the process to a trusted device. If that isn’t possible, you can continue online, though it may take longer.
While setting up a new Apple device
During the setup process on a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple might show an option like:
“Forgot password or don’t have an Apple account?”
Even if you skip signing in during setup, you can still reset your password later. On your iPhone or iPad,
Open Settings
Start the sign-in process
Forgot your password?
On Mac
Open System Preferences
Click Sign In
Select “Forgot password”
If you have turned on two-factor authentication
If your Apple account uses two-factor authentication, the recovery process differs from the older security-question method. In many cases, you can reset your password more easily using the methods below:
A trusted iPhone or iPad
A trusted Mac
The Apple account sign-in flow on the web
Apple also notes that certain security-related changes may involve a waiting period. In some cases, you might have to wait about an hour before changing your password or performing other critical security updates.
If standard reset options don’t work
If you cannot use a trusted device, cannot remember your password, or cannot complete verification, Apple may offer account recovery.
What to expect
Recovery can take several days or longer
Contacting Apple Support will not speed up the process
Do not use devices already signed in to your Apple account during recovery, as this could cancel the process
How to start
Try signing in via Settings or System Settings on your device
On the web, go to iforgot.apple.com, select “Reset password,” and follow the prompts to start account recovery
After starting the process, Apple typically sends:
A confirmation message
An estimated date and time when you can regain access
A follow-up text or automated call with next steps
Apple ID is now an Apple account
Apple ID is now called an Apple account. You can still use the same email address or phone number and the same password to sign in. Key points
The right method depends on what access you currently have:
A trusted device is available → Reset it via Settings or System Settings
No trusted device is available, but you can verify your identity → Use iforgot.apple.com
Nothing else works → Start account recovery
