Apple ID Password Reset on iPhone: Detailed Guide 2026

Introduction

Your Apple ID password is the key to your Apple ecosystem: it protects access to iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, and many other services. If you forget your password, you won't be able to download apps, sync data, or use some device features. This guide will help you regain access using Apple's official methods. We'll cover three main approaches: through iOS settings, via the iforgot.apple.com website, and through Apple Support. The process will take between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the method chosen.

Requirements and Preparation

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• A device running iOS 13 or later (or iPadOS 13+).
• Access to the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID. This is typically the address you provided during registration or the number used for two-factor authentication.
• If two-factor authentication is enabled (recommended), you must have a trusted device (another iPhone, iPad, or Mac) or a phone number to receive a verification code.
• A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).

⚠️ Important: If two-factor authentication is not enabled, the recovery process may require answers to security questions you set up when creating your Apple ID. Make sure you remember these answers.

What to Do If You Don't Have Access to Email or Phone?

In this case, proceed directly to the method via Apple Support (see below). You will need to verify your identity through other means, such as the last 4 digits of the card linked to your Apple ID.

Resetting Password via iOS Settings (If You Remember the Current Password)

This is the fastest method if you remember your current Apple ID password. It's done directly on your device.

Step 1: Open the "Password & Security" Section

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name and avatar at the top of the screen (this accesses your account).
3. In the menu, select "Password & Security".

💡 Tip: If you don't see your name in Settings, you may not be signed in to your Apple ID. In this case, use the method via iforgot.apple.com.

Step 2: Initiate Password Change

1. In the "Password & Security" section, find the "Change Password" option and tap it.
2. The system may ask for your device passcode (the one you use to unlock the screen). Enter it.
3. If you remember your current Apple ID password, enter it in the "Current Password" field. If you've forgotten the password, tap "Forgot Password?" — the system will offer recovery via a trusted device or SMS (details in the next method).

Step 3: Set a New Password

1. In the "New Password" field, enter your new password, then repeat it in the "Verify" field.
2. The password must meet Apple's requirements:
   • Minimum 8 characters.
   • Must include letters and numbers.
   • Cannot be too simple (e.g., "12345678" or "password").
3. After entering, tap "Change" or "Save" in the top-right corner.

Step 4: Confirm the Update

The new password will automatically become active on all devices where you're signed in to your Apple ID. You can verify this by trying to sign in to the App Store or iCloud.com with the new password.

⚠️ Important: If you have two-factor authentication enabled, a sign-in notification may appear on your trusted devices after changing the password. This is normal.

Resetting Password via iforgot.apple.com (If You Forgot the Current Password)

If you don't remember your current password, use Apple's official web service. It works on any device with a browser.

Step 1: Go to the Recovery Website

1. Open a browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) on any device (even non-iOS).
2. Navigate to: iforgot.apple.com.

Step 2: Enter Apple ID and Choose Recovery Method

1. In the "Apple ID" field, enter your email address that serves as your Apple ID.
2. Click "Continue".
3. The system will offer two verification methods (depending on your settings):
   • "Get a code on a trusted device" — if you have another device with the same Apple ID, a notification with a code will appear on it.
   • "Get a code by SMS" — a code will be sent to the phone number linked to your Apple ID.
   • "Answer security questions" — if two-factor authentication is disabled, you'll be asked pre-set security questions.
4. Select an available method and follow the on-screen instructions.

💡 Tip: If no method is available (e.g., no phone access), click "No available options?" — the system will suggest contacting Apple Support.

Step 3: Create a New Password

1. After successfully verifying your identity, you'll reach the password reset page.
2. Enter the new password twice, adhering to the same requirements as in the iOS settings method (minimum 8 characters, letters and numbers).
3. Click "Reset Password".
4. The password will be changed. You can immediately use it to sign in to your Apple ID on devices.

Step 4: Update Password on Devices

After resetting the password via the website:

• Your iPhone/iPad may prompt you to enter the new password for iCloud, App Store, and other services.
• It's recommended to go to Settings → Your Name and verify your account is active.

Recovery via Apple Support (If Other Methods Are Unavailable)

If you've lost access to all recovery methods (email, phone, trusted devices), contact Apple Support. This method takes longer but is often the only option.

Step 1: Contact Official Support

1. Go to apple.com/support or launch the Apple Support app (if installed on another device).
2. Select the topic "Apple ID" → "Recover Apple ID password".
3. Start a chat with support or schedule a call.

Step 2: Prepare Information for Identity Verification

A support specialist will ask you to prove you own the account. Be ready to provide:

• First and last name as listed on the Apple ID.
• Apple ID email address (if you remember it).
• Phone number linked to the account.
• Last 4 digits of the card you used for App Store purchases or iCloud+ payment (the most reliable verification method).
• Serial number of a device frequently used with this Apple ID (e.g., your iPhone).

Step 3: Follow the Specialist's Instructions

If verification is successful, Apple Support will:

• Reset the password for you and send instructions via email (if accessible).
• Or create a temporary password that you can change after signing in.
• The process may take from a few minutes to 24 hours (in rare cases, manual review is required).

⚠️ Important: Beware of scammers! Contact Apple only through official channels (apple.com website, Apple Support app, or 8-800-555-35-35 in Russia). Apple will never ask for your password via phone or email.

Verifying the Result

After resetting your password, ensure everything works:

1. On your iOS device, open Settings → Your Name and check that your name and email are displayed.
2. Try signing in to the App Store (go to any app page and tap "Get") — the system will prompt for the new password.
3. Visit iCloud.com in a browser and sign in with the new password.
4. Check if your data (photos, contacts) is syncing via iCloud.

If sign-in fails, restart your device and try again. If you see an "Invalid Apple ID or password" error, ensure you aren't including extra spaces and are using the correct email.

Common Issues and Solutions

Verification Code Not Received via SMS or Device

• Cause: The phone number in your Apple ID is outdated or inaccessible.
• Solution: Use an alternative method (e.g., code on a trusted device). If you have no access, proceed with recovery via iforgot.apple.com or Apple Support.

Instructions Email Not Received

• Cause: The email is incorrect or landed in spam.
• Solution: Check the Spam folder in your mailbox. Ensure you're entering the exact Apple ID (case-insensitive, but dots and symbols must match). If the problem persists, use another recovery method.

Don't Remember Security Question Answers

• Cause: Security questions were set up long ago and answers are forgotten.
• Solution: This method is only available if two-factor authentication is not enabled. Enable 2FA through another accessible account (if available) or immediately contact Apple Support with proof of account ownership.

Password Not Accepted ("Password Too Simple" Error)

• Cause: The password doesn't meet Apple's policy (e.g., all numbers or a common password).
• Solution: Create a stronger password: use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., MyAppleID!2026). Avoid dictionary words or personal information (name, birthdate).

Apps Ask to Sign In Again After Password Reset

• Cause: This is normal behavior. After changing an Apple ID password, all sessions are terminated for security.
• Solution: Sign in to the App Store, iCloud, and other services with the new password. We recommend enabling two-factor authentication to avoid this in the future.

"Could Not Complete Request" Error When Resetting via Settings

• Cause: Internet connection issues or a temporary Apple server outage.
• Solution: Check your network connection, restart your device. If the error persists, wait 10-15 minutes and try again, or use the web method.