How to change your apple password if you forgot it

• Apple users can change their Apple ID passwords on many different devices.
• If users need to recover their Apple ID account, they must submit an account recovery request.

With 230 million iPhones, 71 million iPads and 20 million Macs and Macbooks sold in 2020, according to businessofapps.com, it's clear millions of Americans and people worldwide are dependent upon their Apple products. With these products comes users’ Apple ID, their account allowing them to access and make use of Apple’s services, such as iCloud, iMessage and the App Store, Apple says.

Paired with the importance of your Apple ID is the importance of keeping your account secure with a strong password.

In the pursuit of account security, how do you change your Apple ID password?

Everything you need to know: WWDC 22 recap: Apple unveils the MacBook Air 2022, iOS 16 during keynote

Just Curious?: We're here to help with life's everyday questions.

How to change Apple ID password

Before beginning the process, note that your Apple ID password must “contain at least eight characters, a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter,” Apple says. You cannot use “spaces, the same character three times in a row, your Apple ID, or a password you’ve used in the last year.” Apple gives users additional recommendations to protect their passwords here.

Apple advises iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Apple Watch users to follow these steps:

1. Open your device’s settings.
2. Select your name.
3. Navigate to “Password & Security.”
4. Select “Change Password.”
5. Enter your current password, as well as your desired new password. If you have forgotten your current password, Apple refers users to this guide.
6. Tap “Change” or “Change password.”

Apple advises Mac users to follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your Mac’s Apple menu.
2. Select the system preferences. 
3. Click your Apple ID.
4. Click “Password & Security.”
5. Select “Change password.” You will have to enter the password you use to unlock your Mac before being able to reset your Apple ID password.

Apple advises website users to follow these steps:

1. Navigate to appleid.apple.com.
2. Direct yourself to “Sign-In and Security.”
3. Select “Password.”
4. Fill out your current password, as well as your desired new password. If you have forgotten or lost your current password, Apple refers users to this guide.
5. Click “Change password.”

Save your money: Want to cancel Apple TV+ and other Apple subscriptions? Here's how.

Quick and easy: Listening to music elsewhere? How to cancel Apple Music quickly and easily.

How to recover Apple ID account

Apple recommends users refer to this guide on account recovery and sign-in methods. Users should navigate to iforgot.apple.com and submit an account recovery request. When going through the account recovery process, Apple will, after a short wait period, send you an automated phone call or text with further recovery instructions. Following the provided instructions will regain your access to your Apple ID.

Apple TV+ exclusives: The 20 best TV shows on Apple TV+ right now, from 'Ted Lasso' to 'For All Mankind'

Facebook Twitter Email