What to do If You Forgot Your Apple Account Password?

Updated by Brian Davis on Jul 10, 2025 • Category: Unlock iOS
5 mins read

"I forgot my Apple Account password, and now I can't manage my Apple devices and services. What can I do now!" —from an iPhone user

With an Apple Account, you can access Apple's services like iCloud, iMessage, the App Store, etc. It is the core of your identification when it comes to controlling Apple services and devices. This Account appears straightforward, yet it has a very tight interface with the Apple ecosystem. What to do if you forgot your Apple Account password? There's no reason to freak out. You can go through different techniques here for resetting your Apple Account password.

apple account forgot password

Part 1. What to do If You Forgot Your Apple Account Password? [6 Ways]

Forgetting your Apple Account password can be frustrating. Yet, you still have 5 ways to reset or recover your Apple ID password quickly and securely.

Method 1. Reset Password Using a Trusted iPhone or iPad

If you're still signed in to your Apple Account on a trusted device (one that Apple recognizes as yours), this is the fastest way to reset your password. The thing is you should remember the the passcode for your iPhone or iPad. Here are the easy steps.

Step 1. Open the Settings and tap your name at the top.
Step 2. Tap on the Sign-In & Security on the Apple ID account page.
Step 3. Tap Change Password.
Step 4. Enter your device passcode to verify your identity.
Step 5. Enter your new Apple ID password and tap Change to confirm it. Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, and a number.
Step 6. After confirming your new password, you will be asked if you want to sign out of other devices that are using your Apple ID. It is highly recommended that you select Sign Out Other Devices to ensure your account is secure.

And that's it. You have successfully reset your Apple Account password and can now use the new one to sign in everywhere.

change apple id password using a trusted iphone and ipad

Method 2. Reset Password Using a Trusted Mac

If you have a trusted Mac device, you can try to reset the Apple ID password via the Mac device when you forgot Apple Account password. Also, you need to know the user account password for your Mac. Now follow the below steps to change the password on your Mac.

Step 1. Start by opening the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choosing System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
Step 2. Click on your name. Choose Sign-In & Security on the sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click Change Password.
Step 4. You will need to enter your password to access your user account and click Allow.
Step 5. Hit on Change to confirm after entering your new Apple account password. For security, it's best to sign out of other devices.

reset apple id password using a trusted mac

Method 3. Reset Password Using a Trusted Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is trusted (meaning it's already signed in to your Apple account), and you have a passcode enabled on your Apple Watch, you can also reset your Apple Account password on Apple Watch. It's noted that your watch needs to be connected to Wi-Fi or its paired iPhone. Here are the steps:

Step 1. On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to see your apps and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
Step 2. Tap your name, which appears at the very top of the Settings menu.
Step 3. Scroll down and tap on Sign-In & Security (or Password & Security on the older version).
Step 4. Tap Change Password.
Step 5. The watch will then prompt you to enter your Apple Watch passcode (the code you use to unlock the watch itself).
Step 6. After you successfully enter the passcode, you will be able to create a new Apple account password directly on the watch screen.

reset apple id password using a trusted apple watch

Method 4. Use Apple's iForgot Website (If You're Locked Out)

For those without access to a trusted device (or who have difficulty completing the above steps), you can reset your password using Apple's online password reset portal at iforgot.apple.com. Please note that the following steps assume you have a trusted phone number associated with your Apple ID.

Step 1. On any mobile or desktop browser, visit Apple iForgot.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID email or phone number, and select Continue.
Step 3. Follow the prompts to receive a code via a trusted device and a trusted phone number. If you don't have, you can start Account Recovery (which can take several days).
Step 4.Select Continue after entering a trusted phone number associated with your Apple ID. Please enter the verification code that you receive on your mobile device.
Step 5. A notification will appear if you still have access to a trusted iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you have a device available, you cam simply enter a password for your device or user name and reset your password. If you don't have a trusted device with you at that moment, you will have to move on to other recovery options.

use apple's online website to reset apple id password

Method 5. Reset Password via the Apple Support App (No Trusted Device Needed)

If you don't have access to your own trusted devices, borrow an iPhone or iPad from a friend or family member and use the Apple Support app. Their device acts as a temporary trusted portal to your account. Here is how.

Step 1. On your friend's iPhone or iPad, open the Apple Support app. If it's not installed, they can download it for free from the App Store.
Step 2. Scroll down to the Support Tools section and tap Reset Password.
Step 3. Choose the option for Help Someone Else.
Step 4. Enter your own Apple Account email address or phone number and follow the on-screen instructions. The process is designed to be secure, and none of your information will be saved on your friend's device.

reset apple account password via apple support app

Method 6. Start Account Recovery from Apple

If you've lost all access to your trusted devices or numbers, Apple may allow you to recover your account. This is an automated process designed to get you back into your account when you don't have enough information to reset your password. It is designed to be slow to prevent unauthorized access. To start account recovery, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Begin the password reset process on the iForgot website.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID email address or a phone number and click Continue.
Step 3. Since you do not have access to your trusted phone number, look for a link that says something like "Don't have access to this number?" or "Try another way" and click it.
Step 4. The system will now present other verification options, such as sending a notification to a trusted device. Again, since you can't access these, you must select the option that indicates you cannot proceed. Look for a link like "Can't use any of these options?" or "Don't have access to any of your Apple devices?".
Step 5. After you have confirmed that you cannot use any of the standard verification methods, the system will inform you that you must begin Account Recovery. It will display a message explicitly stating that this process will take time. Click Continue Anyway.
Step 6. Now follow the instruction to provide as much information as possible to help verify your identity.
Step 7. Once you submit your information, the recovery process officially begins.
Step 8. Wait for Apple to verify your identity. This may take 24–72 hours. Apple will email or text you when the account is ready to reset.

start apple account recovery

Part 2. What to do If You Forgot Your Apple Account and Password? [TunesKit iPhone Unlocker]

Sometimes users forget their Apple Account (email or phone number), not just the password. In this case, our professional technicians have developed a useful program named TunesKit iPhone Unlocker It's strongly advised that you use it when you forget either your Apple Account or password.

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can reset any password and assist you in swiftly regaining access to your iDevice, regardless of how complex a password you have chosen to encrypt your device. It's developed to locate the Apple ID credentials by searching the root folder and folders on the device. The Apple Account-protected files are then deleted and rendered blank. In a word, it is the fastest and most efficient way to remove your Apple Account.

Why Choose TunesKit iPhone Unlocker?

Easily fix the problem when forgot Apple Account password. It also unlocks iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with ease, thanks to its user-friendly interface.

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Next, let's explore how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove your Apple ID Account without any requirements. Before using it, click the Try It Free button above to download and install the program on your computer.

Step 1Connect Your Device to Computer

Connect your iOS device to a computer first. Open TunesKit iPhone Unlocker after that, and choose the Unlock Apple ID option. Click Start to button.

iphone unlocker

Step 2Check iOS Version

Then, you will need to check the iOS version on your iPhone. If the iOS version on your iPhone is iOS 14 or later, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will need to download a firmware package to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone. If the iOS version on your iPhone is iOS 13 or earlier, it will remove the Apple ID directly.

confirm device status

Step 3Download Firmware Package

A firmware package will be downloaded for removing your Apple ID after you confirm with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Make sure all the information provided corresponds to your iPhone. Please correct it manually if necessary.

download firmware package

Step 4Remove Apple ID when Forgot Apple ID Passcode

After the downloading process is completed, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will begin removing your Apple ID. You will be able to use your iPhone again without encountering the limitation of Apple ID.

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Part 3. [Troubleshooting] Common Issues about Apple Account Password

Encounter some issues while reset your Apple Account password. Here are problems and solutions for your reference.

Issue 1. "Your Account Has Been Disabled for Security Reasons"

Solution: How to Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reason

Issue 2. "I Never Receive the Code"

Solution: First, please check your spam/junk folders. Ensure you're checking the correct phone or email linked to the Apple ID. If not accessible, start Account Recovery.

Issue 3. Recovery Taking Too Long?

Solution: You can check status at any time: https://iforgot.apple.com. Unfortunately, there's no way to speed up account recovery once it starts.

Part 4. Useful Tips to Secure Your Account for the Future

Once you've regained access, take a few moments to make your account even more secure and easier to recover in the future.

Tip 1. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Apple ID 2FA is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your Apple account. It ensures that only you can access your Apple ID, even if someone else knows your password. You can enable it by going to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & SecurityTwo-Factor Authentication.

Tip 2. Set Up a Recovery Contact

A Recovery Contact is a trusted friend or family member who can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account. They can generate a recovery code from their own device, which you can then use to sign back in. You can go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & SecurityRecovery Contacts to set this up.

Tip 3. Set Up a Recovery Key

A Recovery Key is a 28-character code that you can use to help reset your password. It gives you more control over your account's security. You can generate one by navigating to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Recovery Key. Store this key in a safe place, like a password manager or a physical safe.

apple id sign in & security

Part 5. FAQ Related to Forgotten Apple Password

Here are some answers to the questions about forgotten Apple Account password.

  • 1. Can I reset my Apple password without a phone number or email?

    Yes, you can start Account Recovery via Apple's website, but it may take several day. Another way is to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, which can help you remove Apple Account instantly and create a new one.
    See Also: How Can I Recover My Apple ID Without Trusted Phone Number?

  • 2. Can I reset my password without security questions?

    Yes. Modern Apple accounts use two-factor authentication instead of security questions. As long as you have access to a trusted device or phone number, you can reset your password without them.
    See Also: Can't Reset Apple ID Security Questions? 4 Solutions!

  • 3. How long does Apple account recovery take?

    The account recovery process is automated and can vary. It often takes 24–72 hours, but it may take longer depending on how much info Apple can verify.

  • 4. What's the difference between an Apple ID password and an iPhone passcode?

    Your iPhone passcode is the numerical code (or alphanumeric password) you use to unlock your device's screen.
    Your Apple account password is what you use to sign in to Apple services like iCloud, the App Store, and iMessage. You need your device passcode to reset your Apple account password on that device.

Part 6. Closing Words

Next time, when your friend complains, "I forgot my Apple Account password", retweet this post to him without any hesitation. You can reset your Apple ID password using the solutions listed above and gain access to your account without any problems. With TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, you don't have to be a tech expert when forget Apple Account password. We are eager to read all your remarks, so please feel free to share your thoughts or experiences here with us.

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