You cannot retrieve a forgotten Apple password, but you can reset it in minutes
Apple does not store your password in a way that lets you look it up or have it sent to you. Instead, you reset it using your recovery email address or phone number. The reset process takes you through Apple's identity verification — proving you own the account — and then lets you create a new password on the spot.
If you remember your password but want to change it for security reasons, that is a different process that happens in your device settings. Both routes are straightforward, but they work differently depending on whether you are locked out or just updating.
Key Takeaways
- A forgotten Apple password is reset through your recovery email or trusted phone number, not retrieved from Apple's servers.
- You can reset your password on any device by visiting iforgot.apple.com and answering security questions or using two-factor authentication.
- If you remember your password but want to change it, go to Settings on your iPhone or Mac and update it directly without proving your identity again.
- Two-factor authentication makes password resets faster because Apple can verify you through your trusted devices instead of security questions.
Reset a forgotten password using iforgot.apple.com
Go to iforgot.apple.com on any computer or phone. Enter your Apple ID (usually your email address), then choose how you want to verify your identity. Apple will offer you two or three options depending on your account setup.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on, the fastest route is to choose "I can use my trusted phone number" or "I can use a trusted device." Apple sends a code to that phone or device, you enter it, and you move straight to creating a new password. This takes about two minutes.
If you do not have two-factor authentication, you will answer your security questions instead. You set these up when you created your Apple ID — they are usually questions like "What was the name of your first pet?" or "What city were you born in?" Answer them correctly, and you can reset your password. If you cannot remember your answers, you can use your recovery email address instead: Apple sends a reset link there, and you click it to create a new password.
Change your password when you remember it
If you know your current password and just want to change it, you do not need to go through identity verification. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap Password & Security, then Change Password. Enter your current password once, then type your new password twice.
On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your name in the sidebar, then click Password. Enter your current password, then create a new one. On a Windows PC, go to iCloud.com, click your name in the top right, choose Account Settings, then Password & Security, then Change Password.
Your new password takes effect immediately on all your devices. You will stay signed in — you do not have to log back in.
What to do if you cannot verify your identity
If you cannot answer your security questions, do not have access to your recovery email, and do not have a trusted device, you will need to contact Apple Support. Go to support.apple.com, search for "reset password," and choose the option to chat with an agent or schedule a call. Apple will ask you to verify your identity using other information — like the payment method on your account or the device serial number — before resetting your password.
This process can take longer than the self-service reset, sometimes a few hours or a business day. Have your device serial number and any recent receipts handy when you contact them.
Set up recovery options so you do not get locked out
The easiest way to reset your password in the future is to have two-factor authentication enabled. This means Apple can verify you through a code sent to your phone instead of asking security questions. Turn it on in Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Two-Factor Authentication on iPhone, or System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security on Mac.
You should also keep your recovery email address current. This is a separate email address (not your Apple ID) that Apple uses to contact you if something goes wrong. You can add or change it in the same Password & Security settings. If your Apple ID is yourname@icloud.com, your recovery email might be yourname@gmail.com or another address you check regularly.
Write down your security questions and answers somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your monitor, but in a password manager or a locked drawer. If you ever need to reset your password and cannot use two-factor authentication, these answers are your backup.
Passwords you use in apps and websites are different
Your Apple ID password is separate from passwords you use in individual apps. If you use your Apple ID to sign into an app — like Spotify or a news site — changing your Apple ID password does not change your password in that app. You sign in with your Apple ID credentials, not a separate password for that service.
If you forgot a password for an app or website that is not Apple, you will need to use that service's own password reset tool. Look for a "Forgot password?" link on their login page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apple tell me what my password is?
No. Apple does not store passwords in a readable form, so they cannot send it to you even if you ask. Password reset is the only option. This is actually a security feature — it means that even if someone breaks into Apple's systems, they cannot steal your password.
What if I do not have access to my recovery email or phone?
Contact Apple Support at support.apple.com. They can verify your identity using information like your payment method or device serial number, then reset your password for you. This takes longer than the self-service reset but does not require your recovery email or phone.
Will resetting my password sign me out of my devices?
No. You stay signed in on your iPhone, Mac, and other devices. Your new password takes effect immediately, but you do not have to log back in anywhere.
Can I use the same password I used before?
Apple will not let you reuse a password you have used recently on this account. If you try, it will ask you to choose a different one. This prevents someone who learned your old password from using it again.
What makes a strong Apple ID password?
Apple requires at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character like ! or @. A password manager like iCloud Keychain (built into Apple devices) can generate and store a strong password for you so you do not have to remember it.