Forget your password for iCloud, iTunes, or the App Store? Here is how to reset your Apple ID

Whether you want to log into iCloud on a new device or download something from iTunes or the App Store, you'll need your Apple ID password to get it done. If you can't remember your password, you can reset it using the web browser on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you don't even remember your Apple ID, you can try to recover that too!

How to reset your Apple or iCloud password with your email address or security questions

If you don't have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID, you'll need to use your email address or answer security questions to change your password.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser.

  2. Enter your Apple ID email address.

    Navigate to iforgot.apple.com, enter email address

  3. Click Continue.

  4. Select I need to reset my password.

    Click Continue, select I need to reset my password

  5. Click Continue.

  6. Select Get an email or Answer security questions. In this example, we're going to send an email.

    Click Continue, select get an email or answer security questions

  7. Click Continue.

  8. Click Done.

    Click Continue, click Done

  9. Open the email you received from Apple. It will be titled "How to reset your Apple ID password".

  10. Click Reset now.

    Open email, click Reset now

  11. Enter your new password.

  12. Enter it again to confirm.

    Enter new password, confirm new password

  13. Click Reset Password.

    Click Reset Password

If you chose to answer security questions

If you decided to answer security questions instead of receiving an email, follow these steps after clicking Continue in Step 7 above.

  1. Verify your birthday.

  2. Click Continue.

    Verify birthday, click continue

  3. Answer the two security questions you're given.

  4. Click Continue.

    Answer security questions, click Continue

  5. Enter your new password.

  6. Enter it again to confirm.

    Enter new password, enter again

  7. Click Reset Password.

    Click Reset Password

How to reset your password if you have two-factor authentication enabled

If you do have two-factor authentication turned on, you'll need one of the devices associated with your account nearby.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser.

  2. Enter your Apple ID email address.

    Navigate to iforgot.apple.com, enter email address

  3. Click Continue.

  4. Enter the phone number that is associated with your Apple ID.

    Click Continue, enter phone number

  5. Click Continue. You'll be asked to pick up one of the devices connected to this account.

    Click Continue

  6. Pick up one of the devices associated with your iCloud account. In this case we'll use an iPhone.
  7. Tap Allow.
  8. Enter the passcode of your chosen device.

  9. Tap Done.

    Tap Allow, enter passcode, tap Done

  10. Enter your new Apple ID password.

  11. Enter it again to verify.

    Enter new password, enter again

  12. Tap Next.

  13. Tap Done.

    Tap Next, tap Done

How to reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone

You can reset your Apple ID password directly from your iPhone if your phone is signed into iCloud and you have a passcode on your phone.

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap your Apple ID banner.

  3. Tap Password & Security.

    Open Settings, tap Apple ID banner, tap Password & Security

  4. Tap Change Password.
  5. Enter your iPhone passcode.

  6. Tap Done.

    Tap Change Password, enter iPhone passcode, tap Done

  7. Enter your new password twice in the New and Verify fields.

  8. Tap Change.

    Enter your new password, tap Change

How to reset your Apple ID password on your Mac

  1. Open System Preferences from your Dock or Applications folder.

  2. Click iCloud.

    Open System Preference, click iCloud

  3. Click Account Details.

  4. Click Security.

    Click Account Details, click Security

  5. Click Change Password…
  6. Enter your Mac password if prompted to do so.

  7. Enter the new Apple ID password in the New Password and Verify fields.

    Click Change Password..., enter your Mac password

  8. Click Change.

    Click Change

How to find out your Apple ID if you've forgotten it

Of course, Apple can help you find your account even if you've forgotten the email address you use with it.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser.

  2. Tap look it up under the email address entry field.

    Navigate to iforgot.apple.com, click look it up

  3. Enter your first name, last name, and backup email address. Make sure you're using the full name associated with your Apple ID.

  4. Click Continue. If your name and recovery email are in the system, you'll be taken to a page that says "Apple ID Found."

    Enter first name, last name, and email address, click Continue

  5. Click Go to Your Account. You will be taken to appleid.apple.com.

  6. Click Forgot Apple ID or password? if you still need to recover your password. Follow the steps above for recovering your password with an email address or security questions or if you have two-factor authentication turned on.

    Click Go to Your Account, click Forgot Apple ID or password?

Great accessories for your iPhone or Mac

Otter+Pop Symmetry Series Case ($50 and up at OtterBox)

The Otter+Pop Symmetry Series case for your iPhone model is an excellent buy. It has a built-in Popsocket on the back that sits flush when not in use, and it makes using your phone so much easier with one hand. Manage your email like a boss!

Samsung T5 Portable SSD ($88 at Amazon)

This tiny, speedy solid state drive is the perfect way to expand your Mac's storage.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about recovering your Apple ID or setting a new password if you've forgotten yours, let us know in the comments.

Updated May 2019: Updated for iOS 12 and maOS Mojave.

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