You can't retrieve a forgotten Apple ID password, but you can reset it in minutes

Apple doesn't store your password in a way that lets anyone — including Apple support — look it up and tell you what it is. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to reset it using your trusted phone number, a recovery key, or your recovery contacts. The reset process takes about five minutes and works on any device with internet access.

If you remember your password but can't log in, the problem is usually something else: your account might be locked after too many wrong attempts, you might be using an old password that no longer works, or you might have two-factor authentication turned on and aren't receiving the verification code. Each of these has a different fix.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple ID passwords cannot be retrieved once set — you must reset it using your recovery method, which takes about five minutes.
  • You can reset your password at iforgot.apple.com using your phone number, recovery key, or a trusted contact you've set up in advance.
  • If your account is locked after failed login attempts, you'll need to wait 24 hours before trying again or use your recovery method immediately.
  • Two-factor authentication requires a verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number — if you don't receive it, check your network connection and spam folder.
  • Keep your recovery key and trusted contacts updated so you can reset your password even if you lose access to your phone.

Reset your password at iforgot.apple.com

Go to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser. Enter your Apple ID email address and click "Continue". Apple will ask you to verify your identity using one of these methods:

  • Your trusted phone number: Apple sends a six-digit code to the phone number you registered with your account. Enter that code on the website.
  • Your recovery key: A 28-character code Apple gave you when you set up two-factor authentication. If you saved it, enter it here.
  • Your recovery contacts: If you added trusted people to your account, Apple can send them a notification asking them to approve your reset.

After you verify your identity, you'll create a new password. Make it at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — Apple requires this. Once you save the new password, you can log in to your Apple ID immediately.

What to do if your account is locked

If you entered your password wrong too many times, Apple locks your account for 24 hours as a security measure. You'll see a message saying "Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons." You have two options: wait 24 hours and try again, or reset your password right now using iforgot.apple.com.

Resetting your password unlocks the account immediately, so this is usually faster than waiting. Use whichever recovery method you have available — your phone number, recovery key, or recovery contacts.

Troubleshoot two-factor authentication problems

If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which Apple requires for most accounts), you'll need a verification code to log in. Apple sends this code to your trusted device or phone number. If you're not receiving it, check these things first:

  • Make sure your internet connection is working — try loading a website in your browser.
  • Check your text messages and email spam folder for the code.
  • If you're using a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, make sure it's connected to the internet and signed in with your Apple ID.
  • Wait a few minutes — sometimes the code takes time to arrive.

If you still don't receive the code, you can use your recovery key to reset your password instead. This bypasses the two-factor requirement and lets you log in immediately. After you're in, you can update your trusted phone number or add a new trusted device.

Set up recovery options before you need them

The easiest way to reset your password later is to prepare now. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your current password, and click "Security" on the left side. You'll see options to:

  • Save your recovery key: A 28-character code that works even if you lose your phone. Write it down or store it somewhere safe — not in your email or on your computer.
  • Add recovery contacts: People you trust who can approve your password reset if you lose access to your phone and don't have your recovery key.
  • Update your trusted phone number: The number Apple uses to send verification codes. Make sure it's a number you actually use.

If you have a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you can also use that device to reset your password. Go to Settings (or System Preferences on a Mac), tap your name at the top, and look for "Password & Security" or "Sign-In & Security". You can reset your password from there without leaving your device.

What happens if you lose access to everything

If you've lost your phone, don't have your recovery key, and can't reach your recovery contacts, you'll need to contact Apple Support. Go to support.apple.com, search for "Apple ID account recovery", and choose "Contact Us". Apple will ask you security questions to verify you own the account — questions you answered when you set it up, like your date of birth or the city where you were born.

This process takes longer than a standard password reset — sometimes a few days — because Apple has to confirm your identity through multiple steps. This is why setting up recovery options now is worth the five minutes it takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple tell me what my password is?

No. Apple doesn't store passwords in a way that lets anyone read them, including Apple employees. If you forget your password, you must reset it using one of your recovery methods. This is intentional — it means even if someone breaks into Apple's systems, they can't steal your password.

Why do I keep getting locked out even though I'm entering the right password?

Your password might have changed without you realizing it — for example, if you reset it on another device or if your account was compromised. Try resetting your password at iforgot.apple.com. If you're still locked out after that, your account may have a security issue and you should contact Apple Support.

What if I don't have my recovery key or a trusted phone number?

You can add recovery contacts — trusted people who can approve your password reset. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Security", and look for "Recovery Contacts". If you don't have any of these options set up, you'll need to contact Apple Support and answer security questions to verify your identity.

Do I need to change my password after I reset it?

No. Your new password is just as secure as any other password. You only need to change it again if you think someone else knows it, or if Apple notifies you of suspicious activity on your account.

Will resetting my password sign me out of my devices?

Yes. After you reset your password, you'll need to sign back in on your iPhone, Mac, iPad, or other Apple devices using your new password. This is a security feature — it makes sure only you can access your account.