Deepak Gupta

Forgot your Apple Account password (Apple ID)

Reset it at iforgot.apple.com, or select Forgot password? on the sign-in screen. The fastest way is to change it on an iPhone, iPad or Mac that is already signed in. If you cannot reset it, Apple offers account recovery, which can take several days or longer.

Do these 3 things now

1Go to iforgot.apple.com, or select Forgot password? on the sign-in screen.Read to them:“Go to iforgot.apple.com, or select Forgot password? on the sign-in screen.”
2If any Apple device is still signed in, change the password there. It is the fastest way.Read to them:“If any Apple device is still signed in, change the password there. It is the fastest way.”
3Do not reply to anyone who offers to reset your Apple Account for you, and never share a code.Read to them:“Do not reply to anyone who offers to reset your Apple Account for you, and never share a code.”

Reset your password at iforgot.apple.com

Official link: iforgot.apple.com

I am helping someone else

Helper mode: each step is written for you to read aloud. Let them tap and type on their own device; never ask them to send you a code. Send them this first.

01Is this you?

You don't remember your Apple Account password, and no one else changed it.
Apple asks for your password when you set up a device, open Settings or use the App Store.

Not quite? Someone else changed my password · My account says locked or disabled · I lost the iPhone I use for codes

02Official recovery path

On the sign-in screen, select Forgot password? or Forgot password or don't have an Apple Account? and follow the prompts.Read to them:“On the sign-in screen, select Forgot password? or Forgot password or don't have an Apple Account? and follow the prompts.”source
On an iPhone or iPad that is signed in, open Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password.Read to them:“On an iPhone or iPad that is signed in, open Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password.”iPhonesource
On a Mac that is signed in, choose the Apple menu > System Settings, click your name, click Sign-In & Security, then click Change Password.Read to them:“On a Mac that is signed in, choose the Apple menu > System Settings, click your name, click Sign-In & Security, then click Change Password.”Computersource
No trusted device? Have these ready: your trusted phone number, access to your Apple Account email, and a code from your recovery contact or your recovery key if you set one up.Read to them:“No trusted device? Have these ready: your trusted phone number, access to your Apple Account email, and a code from your recovery contact or your recovery key if you set one up.”source
If asked for the security code of the card on your account and the bank declines it, select Don't have access to this card.Read to them:“If asked for the security code of the card on your account and the bank declines it, select Don't have access to this card.”source

Did that get you back in?

Yes

Lock it down now. Change the password, turn on two-step, sign out other devices. It takes about 15 minutes.

No

A.If you cannot reset your password, request account recovery at iforgot.apple.com in Safari. Where it can, the site sends you to a trusted device.Read to them:“If you cannot reset your password, request account recovery at iforgot.apple.com in Safari. Where it can, the site sends you to a trusted device.”source
B.On a borrowed iPhone or at an Apple Store, open the Support app, scroll to Support Tools, select Reset Password, then select Help Someone Else. Your details are not stored on that device.Read to them:“On a borrowed iPhone or at an Apple Store, open the Support app, scroll to Support Tools, select Reset Password, then select Help Someone Else. Your details are not stored on that device.”iPhonesource
C.If you have a recovery contact, call them or meet them. They can get a six-digit code that you enter on your device to reset your password.Read to them:“If you have a recovery contact, call them or meet them. They can get a six-digit code that you enter on your device to reset your password.”source
D.If you lost the phone number that gets your codes, try to sign in, select Didn't Get a Code? or Can't get to your devices?, then choose Can't use [phone number].Read to them:“If you lost the phone number that gets your codes, try to sign in, select Didn't Get a Code? or Can't get to your devices?, then choose Can't use [phone number].”source

Then: how long it takes

03How long it takes

Published by the platform

A normal reset takes a few minutes. Apple says account recovery can take several days or longer, for security reasons. Apple Support cannot shorten the wait. You should get a confirmation email within 72 hours that gives a date and time when you can expect to get back in.

While you wait

If you started recovery on the web, turn off your Apple devices during the wait.
Do not sign in or use a signed-in device. That can cancel the request.
Do not submit a new request. Apple says it may extend the wait.
When the wait ends, follow Apple's email or text. If nothing arrives, go to apple.com/recover after the time in your confirmation email.

04Warn your contacts

Send this from another account or by text, so nobody falls for messages sent in your name.

I'm locked out of my Apple Account while I reset it, so iMessage and FaceTime may not reach me. If someone messages as me asking for codes or money, it isn't me.

More templates: email, followers, customers

05Watch out for recovery scams

People who just lost an account are the main target of fake helpers. Only Apple Account and iCloud's own app or website can restore your account.

Emails that look like Apple or iCloud asking you to sign in to fix your account. Apple never asks you to log in to a website for verification. Forward them to reportphishing@apple.com. How it works
Calls from "Apple Support" about a problem with your account. Apple says to just hang up on unsolicited calls, and that scammers can fake Apple's caller ID. How it works
"Recovery experts" who say they can unlock an Apple Account or skip the account recovery wait. Apple says Apple Support cannot shorten the wait, so no one else can either. How it works

All recovery scams and how to spot them

06Once you're back in: lock it down

0 of 9 doneAbout 22 minutes total

Change your password and sign out other devices3 minOn iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password. When asked, choose Remove Other Devices so every other device must sign in again.source
Check two-factor authentication and your trusted phone numbers3 minOpen Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication. Remove any number you do not know at account.apple.com under Sign-In and Security > Account Security. Tap Add Trusted Phone Number to add a second number you control, such as a family member's.source
Add a recovery contact2 minOpen Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Recovery Contacts and Add Recovery Contact. If you ever get locked out, this person can get a six-digit code for you. They cannot see or use your account.source
Optional: a recovery key, only if you can keep it safe3 minA recovery key is a 28-character code under Sign-In & Security > Recovery Key. Setting one up turns off Apple's standard account recovery. If you lose the key and your devices, you can be locked out for good. Write it on paper and do not store it in Notes, Photos or iCloud Drive.source
Turn on Stolen Device Protection1 minOpen Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, then turn on Stolen Device Protection. Away from familiar places, big account changes then need Face ID or Touch ID and a one-hour security delay.source
Remove devices you do not recognize2 minOpen Settings and tap your name, then scroll to the device list. Tap any device you do not know and tap Remove from Account. On the web, sign in at account.apple.com and select Devices.source
Review apps that use Sign in with Apple2 minOpen Settings, tap your name, then tap Sign in with Apple. Select any app you no longer use and tap Delete.source
Consider security keys and passkeys3 minFor the strongest protection against phishing, add two physical security keys under Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Security Keys. Passkeys you save for other sites sync through iCloud Keychain, which needs two-factor authentication, so keep that turned on.source
Run Safety Check3 minOpen Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check, then tap Manage Sharing & Access. It walks you through connected devices, trusted phone numbers, your password and who you share with.source

Then do the 24-hour cleanup.

Free toolExposure CheckSee what of yours is already public.Free toolPassword Breach CheckCheck if a password shows up in known leaks.ReadAccount recovery design is the security ceiling ReadHow to set up two-factor on all your accounts

07How it probably happened

Most likely
A password you don't use often, or one you changed and didn't save.
Also common
A "reset your password" email or text that was really phishing.
How this scam works
Less common
Someone asked you for a code "sent by mistake".
How this scam works

Account taken, recovery details swapped

08Report it

Recognize and avoid phishing and fake support calls

Lost money, being blackmailed, or someone is using your account to scam others? Report it to your country's cybercrime service too. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.

United States

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)Report online crime, including account takeovers that led to money loss or extortion. The IC3 never contacts you first and never asks for money.
FTC ReportFraudReport the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
IdentityTheft.govUse it if someone used your Social Security number or opened accounts in your name. You get a recovery plan.

United Kingdom

Report Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)Run by the City of London Police. It replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101 instead.
Forward scam texts to 7726Free on most UK networks. Your provider can look into the sender and block it.
Report a scam email to the NCSCForward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk before you delete it.
Report Fraud: 0300 123 2040England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

India

National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalRun by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs. Reports go to state and UT police.
Chakshu on Sanchar SaathiReport suspected fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages to the Department of Telecommunications. It is not for money already lost: call 1930 for that.
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930Toll free, 24 hours. Call fast if money left your account: it can help freeze the transfer.

Canada

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report onlineVictims and witnesses can report fraud or cybercrime online. Also contact your local police as soon as you can.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501Toll free. The CAFC does not contact people to ask for money.

Australia

ReportCyberReport cybercrime to police. Your report may go to your state or territory police or the AFP.
ScamwatchReport a scam, even if you lost no money. The AFP also points people worried about identity theft to IDCARE, a free support service.
ReportCyber phone line: 1300 292 371Report concerns about cybercrime or cyber security incidents. If life is at risk, call 000.

09Questions people ask

What is a trusted device?

An iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro or Mac that is already signed in to your Apple Account with two-factor authentication.

How long does account recovery take?

Apple says several days or more, for security reasons, and that Apple Support cannot speed it up. Your confirmation email gives the expected date and time.

What cancels account recovery?

Signing in with your password, changing the password on a signed-in device, or using a device that is signed in to your account.

Can a recovery contact see my account?

No. Apple says a recovery contact cannot access your account. They can only get a code that helps you reset your password.

I set up a recovery key and lost it. What now?

Apple says a recovery key turns off standard account recovery. Apple cannot give you a lost key, and without it you can be locked out for good.

Sources and last check

Last verified: October 16, 2026. Steps checked against the platform's own help pages listed below. Device testing is ongoing; steps marked unconfirmed are still waiting for it.

Apple Support: If you forgot your password and can't sign in to your Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: What to expect during account recovery (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Change your Apple Account password (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Set up a recovery key for your Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices for Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Two-factor authentication for Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple: Recover Your Apple Account (iforgot.apple.com) (read 2026-10-16)

Wrong step or changed screen? Report it. Never include passwords or codes.