Change your iCloud password on any device in minutes

You can change your iCloud password from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows computer. The fastest route is through your iPhone or iPad settings if you have one — it takes about three steps. On a Mac, you go through System Settings. On Windows, you use the iCloud app. No matter which device you use, Apple sends you a confirmation email, and you'll need to sign back into some apps afterward.

The process is the same whether you're changing your password because you forgot it, because you think someone else knows it, or just because you want a new one. You don't need to contact Apple support — you can do this yourself right now.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then Password & Security, then Change Password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, then Password & Security, then Change Password.
  • On Windows, open the iCloud app, click Account, then Security, then Change Password.
  • After you change your password, you'll need to sign back in on devices that use two-factor authentication, which usually takes a few minutes per device.
  • Apple sends a confirmation email to your recovery email address, so check that you received it.

Change your password on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the very top of the screen. This takes you to your Apple ID account page. Tap Password & Security — it's the second option down. Then tap Change Password.

You'll see a screen asking for your current password. Type it in, then create a new password. Apple requires at least 8 characters, and it's stronger if you mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Type your new password twice to confirm it matches, then tap Change. Your iPhone will show a checkmark when it's done.

If you have two-factor authentication turned on — which Apple turns on by default for most accounts — you'll get a notification on another Apple device asking you to allow the change. Tap Allow on that device, and your password changes immediately.

Change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar on the left, click your name (it appears at the very top). Then click Password & Security. You'll see a Change Password button — click it.

Type your current password, then enter your new password twice. Your Mac will confirm the change and return you to the Password & Security page. If you have two-factor authentication on, you may see a prompt on another device asking you to allow it — tap Allow there.

Change your password on Windows

Open the iCloud app on your Windows computer. If you don't have it, you can download it from the Microsoft Store. Once the app is open, click Account at the top. You'll see a Security section — click Change Password there.

Type your current password, then your new password twice. Click Change. Windows will show you a confirmation message. If two-factor authentication is on, you'll need to allow the change on another Apple device.

What happens after you change your password

Apple sends a confirmation email to your recovery email address — the one you set up when you created your Apple ID. Check that email to make sure the change went through. If you don't see it within a few minutes, check your spam folder.

On any device where you use two-factor authentication, you'll be signed out of iCloud. You'll need to sign back in with your new password. This usually takes a few minutes per device. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, and sign in again. On Mac, go to System Settings, click your name, and sign in. On Windows, open the iCloud app and sign in there.

Apps that use iCloud — like Mail, Photos, Notes, and Reminders — will ask you to sign in again on each device. This is normal and keeps your account secure. You don't need to do anything except enter your new password when prompted.

If you forgot your current password

If you can't remember your current password, you can't change it through Settings — you'll need to reset it instead. Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in that email, answer your security questions or use your recovery key, and create a new password.

After you reset your password, you'll be signed out of iCloud on all your devices. Sign back in with your new password on each one. This process takes longer than a regular password change because you have to go through recovery steps, but it's the only way forward if you've forgotten your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on every device?

No. You change your password once through Settings on any device, and it updates across your entire Apple ID account. However, you will need to sign back in on devices that use two-factor authentication, which is most modern devices. This is a sign-in step, not a password change step.

What if I get an error message saying my password is too weak?

Apple requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long and recommends mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you get an error, try a longer password or add more variety to the characters you use. Avoid using the same password you've used before.

Will changing my password sign me out of my email?

No. Your iCloud password and your email password are the same thing, but changing it doesn't interrupt your email service. You may need to sign back into the Mail app on your devices, but your email account stays active the whole time.

Can I change my password if I don't have access to another device for two-factor authentication?

If you have two-factor authentication on and can't access another device to allow the change, go to iforgot.apple.com and reset your password instead. You'll answer security questions or use your recovery key, and you won't need approval from another device.

How often should I change my iCloud password?

There's no rule that says you must change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another service that got hacked, or just because you want to. Many people change it once a year as a security habit, but it's not required.