How To Reset iCloud Account Password

To reset an iCloud account password, use iforgot.apple.com or a trusted Apple device to verify your identity and set a new password.

Locked out of iCloud? You can get back in with a clean, step-by-step reset. This guide shows every method that works today, what each option needs, and how to avoid dead ends. You’ll also see recovery tips when you’ve lost a phone, changed numbers, or turned on a recovery key.

Reset Paths At A Glance

Pick the route that matches what you still have access to. Start with a trusted device if you can; it’s usually the quickest path.

Method	What You Need	Where To Start
Trusted iPhone or iPad	Device passcode, two-factor turned on	Settings → Your Name → Sign-In & Security → Change Password
Trusted Mac	Mac login password	System Settings → Your Name → Sign-In & Security → Change Password
Web Reset (iForgot)	Apple ID email or phone, access to trusted number or device	iforgot.apple.com
Apple Support App On A Family Member’s Device	Your Apple ID and trusted phone number	Apple Support app → Passwords & Security → Reset
Recovery Key Flow	28-character recovery key + trusted number + Apple device	Follow prompts on a trusted device or on iForgot
Account Recovery (Waiting Period)	No trusted device; access to a phone or email on file	Start at iForgot; follow the identity checks
Changed Passcode Recently	Old device passcode (within 72 hours)	“Forgot Passcode?” on Lock Screen → Use Old Passcode
Business/School Managed Apple ID	Admin help	Contact your organization’s IT admin

How To Reset iCloud Account Password On A Trusted Device

Got your iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in already? Use it. The device knows it’s yours and can approve the change fast.

On iPhone Or iPad

Open Settings, tap your name.
Tap Sign-In & Security → Change Password.
Enter the device passcode.
Type a new iCloud password that you haven’t used before; confirm, then finish.

On Mac

Open System Settings, click your name.
Choose Sign-In & Security → Change Password.
Enter the Mac login password, then set the new one.

Password Tips That Pass Apple’s Checks

Use 12+ characters with mixed types (letters, numbers, symbols).
Avoid old passwords and common phrases.
Store the new password in a password manager so you don’t repeat this headache.

Reset Through The Web When You Don’t Have A Device Handy

No Apple device nearby? Start a secure reset at iforgot.apple.com. Enter your Apple ID email or the phone number on the account. The site walks you through verification with a trusted phone number or a code sent to a trusted device. If nothing is available, it launches account recovery, which may take longer.

Speed Tips For iForgot

Try every email you might have used with Apple—work, school, old inboxes.
Have the phone with your trusted number powered on and able to receive texts or calls.
If the browser detects a trusted device, it may prompt you there to approve the reset.

Use A Friend’s iPhone With The Apple Support App

No device of your own? Borrow one. Install the Apple Support app from the App Store on a family member’s iPhone or iPad, then choose Passwords & Security → Reset. You’ll sign in with your Apple ID, confirm your trusted number, and set a new password. Your data stays tied to your Apple ID—nothing is stored on their device.

Account Recovery When You’ve Lost Access To Trusted Things

If you changed numbers or lost devices, account recovery steps in. Start it at iForgot and follow the prompts. You may be asked for a reachable number or email so Apple can contact you when the account is ready for a new password. Timing varies based on what you can still verify.

What Speeds Up Account Recovery

Keep the phone number you submitted reachable during the process.
Sign in on a device that might still be recognized as trusted.
Avoid repeating failed attempts; too many retries can slow things down.

Recovery Key Users: Your Code Is Mandatory

If you turned on a recovery key, the 28-character code is required for resets. Without that key and a trusted number, you can’t finish the process. Print it, store it safely, and keep a spare copy in a second place.

Where To Find Or Replace A Recovery Key

On a trusted device, open Settings/System Settings → Sign-In & Security.
Open Account Recovery or Recovery Key.
Write down the key exactly as shown; don’t keep it only in Notes or iCloud Drive.

Two-Factor Details That Matter During A Reset

Two-factor authentication ties your identity to trusted devices and trusted phone numbers. A code goes to one of those when you sign in or change security settings. If you’ve only got one trusted number, add a second so you’re never locked out during travel or a phone swap.

Add Another Trusted Phone Number

On iPhone, open Settings → Your Name → Sign-In & Security.
Tap Two-Factor Authentication, then Edit next to Trusted Phone Numbers.
Add a second number you can reach, such as a spouse’s or a work phone.

Password Rules, Codes, And Special Cases

These quick notes answer the gotchas that trip people up during a reset.

Situation	What To Do	Where It Comes Up
Didn’t Get The Code	Resend as call, check spam for email, move to an area with signal	iForgot and 2FA prompts
Changed SIM/Number	Use a trusted device for approval, then add your new number	After phone upgrade or carrier switch
Stolen iPhone	Start iForgot from a safe device; turn on Lost Mode in Find My	Security & theft response
New Mac, No Old Devices	Begin account recovery and wait for Apple’s contact window	Fresh setup with no trust chain
Recovery Key Enabled	Enter the 28-character key with exact formatting	Any reset path
Forgot iPhone Passcode	Use the 72-hour “Use Old Passcode” option or restore via recovery mode	Lock Screen and Finder recovery
Managed Apple ID	Contact your IT admin; self-service reset may be blocked	School or workplace accounts

Smart Setup So You Never Get Stuck Again

Once you’re back in, spend five minutes on these safeguards. They save hours later.

Turn On Two-Factor And Add Backup Numbers

Two-factor codes go to your gear or phone numbers you control.
Add at least two trusted numbers. Use one that stays in a safe place.

Create And Store A Recovery Key (If You Want Tighter Control)

Write it down, store a backup copy offline, and test that you can read it clearly.
Don’t keep the only copy inside iCloud apps; you may not reach them during a lockout.

Keep Devices “Trusted”

Stay signed in on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac you use often.
Keep a passcode or login password set; Face ID or Touch ID helps too.

Security Hygiene When Resetting

While you’re changing the password, sweep for weak spots. Update your trusted numbers, scan for unknown devices under your Apple ID, and revoke sign-ins you don’t recognize. If a thief had your phone and saw your passcode, switch on Stolen Device Protection in Face ID & Passcode settings so changes to security require biometrics, not just a passcode, when you’re away from familiar places.

FAQ-Style Fixes (No Fluff, Just The Fix)

I Don’t Have Any Trusted Devices. Can I Still Reset?

Yes. Start at iForgot and finish identity checks by code to your trusted number or email. If neither is reachable, begin account recovery and wait for Apple’s follow-up.

I Enabled A Recovery Key And Lost It. What Now?

You must supply that key to reset. If the key and all trusted factors are gone, the account can’t be recovered.

My Verification Code Keeps Going To An Old Number

Use a device that’s still signed in to approve the login, then update trusted numbers right away under Sign-In & Security.

Main Steps Recap

Try a trusted device first: Settings/System Settings → Sign-In & Security → Change Password.
No device handy? Go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the prompts.
Still stuck? Use the Apple Support app on a family member’s device, or start account recovery.
Using a recovery key? Have the 28-character code ready.
After you’re back in, add a backup trusted number and review your devices.

How To Reset iCloud Account Password | Fast Fix Steps