By the DevX mobile and Apple team. We tested every Apple ID password method in this guide on iPhone 16, iPad Pro M4, MacBook Air M3, and via the web at appleid.apple.com. We verified changing password from Settings, resetting a forgotten password via email/phone/security questions, two-factor authentication recovery, Account Recovery Contact, and Apple Support assistance. All steps confirmed working as of March 2026.
Your Apple ID (now called Apple Account) password protects your iCloud data, App Store purchases, iMessage, FaceTime, Find My devices, and Apple Pay. Whether you want to update it for security or you’ve forgotten it entirely, here’s how to change or reset it from any device.
How To Change Apple ID Password on iPhone or iPad
If you know your current password and just want to change it:
- Go to Settings → tap your name at the top
- Tap Sign-In & Security
- Tap Change Password
- Enter your current device passcode
- Enter your new password twice
- Tap Change
Your Apple Account password is instantly updated across all devices signed into the same account. You may be asked to sign in again on other devices with the new password.
How To Change Apple ID Password on Mac
- Click the Apple menu → System Settings
- Click your name at the top
- Click Sign-In & Security
- Click Change Password
- Enter your Mac login password
- Enter your new Apple Account password twice
- Click Change
How To Change Apple ID Password on the Web
- Go to account.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple Account
- Click Sign-In and Security
- Click Password
- Enter your current password and your new password
- Click Change Password
How To Reset a Forgotten Apple ID Password
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using several methods:
Method 1: Reset From iPhone or iPad (Easiest)
- Go to Settings → tap your name
- Tap Sign-In & Security → Change Password
- Enter your device passcode (this verifies your identity instead of the Apple Account password)
- Set a new password
This works because Apple trusts your device passcode as proof of identity when you’re already signed in.
Method 2: Reset From iforgot.apple.com
- Go to iforgot.apple.com
- Enter your Apple Account email
- Follow the prompts — Apple will verify your identity through:
- Two-factor authentication: A verification code sent to your trusted devices or phone number
- Email verification: A reset link sent to your rescue email
- Security questions: Answer questions you set up previously
- Once verified, create a new password
Method 3: Reset Using Another Apple Device
If you have a friend’s or family member’s iPhone/iPad:
- Open the Apple Support app (download from App Store if needed)
- Tap Reset Password
- Tap A different Apple ID
- Enter your Apple Account email and follow the verification steps
Method 4: Account Recovery (Last Resort)
If you can’t verify your identity through any of the above methods:
- Go to iforgot.apple.com
- Start the reset process and select “Can’t access your Apple devices?”
- Apple will initiate Account Recovery — a waiting period (can be several days) during which Apple verifies you’re the account owner
- You’ll receive instructions via email or text when the recovery is complete
Important: Account Recovery is intentionally slow to protect against unauthorized access. During the waiting period, do NOT use any devices signed into the account, as this can reset the timer.
Apple ID Password Requirements
Your new password must:
- Be at least 8 characters long
- Include at least one uppercase letter
- Include at least one lowercase letter
- Include at least one number
- Not be the same as a password you’ve used in the past year
- Not be your Apple Account email address
Tip: Use a passphrase of 12+ characters combining random words and numbers for maximum security while remaining memorable.
Set Up Account Recovery Contact
Prevent future lockouts by adding an Account Recovery Contact — a trusted person who can help you regain access:
- Go to Settings → your name → Sign-In & Security
- Tap Account Recovery
- Tap Add Recovery Contact
- Choose a trusted person from your contacts (they need an Apple device with iOS 15+)
- They’ll receive a notification to accept
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
If you haven’t already, enable two-factor authentication for maximum account security:
- Go to Settings → your name → Sign-In & Security
- Tap Two-Factor Authentication
- Follow the setup prompts to add your trusted phone number
With 2FA enabled, signing into your Apple Account on a new device requires both your password AND a verification code sent to your trusted device.
More Apple Account & Security Guides From DevX
- How To Factory Reset iPhone (2026)
- How To Reset iPad (2026)
- How To Get More Storage on iPhone (2026)
- How To Block a Number on iPhone (2026)
- How To Find Saved Passwords on Your Phone (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my Apple ID password sign me out of everything?
No, not immediately. Your currently signed-in devices stay signed in. However, the next time a device needs to re-authenticate (e.g., after an update or when accessing certain iCloud features), you’ll need the new password.
Can I change my Apple ID email address?
Yes. Go to account.apple.com → Sign-In and Security → Apple ID → Change Apple ID. You can switch to a different email address. Note: this changes your login email, not just your password.
What if I don’t remember my Apple ID email?
Go to iforgot.apple.com and click “look it up” to find your Apple Account email using your name and associated email addresses. You can also check Settings on any device that’s currently signed in — your Apple Account email is shown at the top of Settings.
How often should I change my Apple ID password?
Apple doesn’t require periodic password changes, but you should change it immediately if you suspect unauthorized access, if you’ve used the same password on another site that was breached, or if you received an unexpected two-factor authentication code you didn’t request.
