How to Change Apple ID Password: iPhone, Mac and Web (2026)

Last updated: October 2026

Contents

Quick Answer: How Do You Change Your Apple ID Password?

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, choose Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password. Enter your device passcode, type a new password twice, and tap Change. On a Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Change Password. On the web, sign in at account.apple.com and open Sign-In and Security > Password. If you forgot your password, use iforgot.apple.com to reset it.

Key Takeaways

Apple now calls your login an Apple Account, but many people still search for “Apple ID”. They are the same thing.
You can change the password on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows (through the web) or any browser.
If you know your current password and device passcode, the change takes about a minute.
If you forgot your password, you can reset it from a trusted device, a trusted phone number or through account recovery.
After you change it, you may be signed out on other devices and asked to sign in again.
Menu names change between iOS and macOS versions, so use the search bar in Settings if you cannot find an option.

What Is an Apple ID (Apple Account)?

An Apple ID is the email address and password you use to sign in to Apple services such as the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Music, Apple TV and Find My. In recent software versions, Apple renamed it to Apple Account, but the sign-in works the same way. Your Apple Account holds your backups, photos, contacts, purchases, subscriptions and device locations, so protecting it is very important.

When Should You Change Your Apple ID Password?

You should change your password if:

You think someone else knows it.
You received a suspicious “your Apple Account was used to sign in” alert.
You reused the same password on other websites.
You typed it on a page that may have been fake.
You sold, gave away or lost a device.
Your password is short, old or easy to guess.

Scammers often copy Apple’s emails and text messages to steal logins. Learn the warning signs in our guide on how to spot a phishing email.

How to Change Your Apple ID Password on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app.
Tap your name at the top.
Tap Sign-In & Security. On some older versions this is called Password & Security.
Tap Change Password.
Enter your iPhone or iPad passcode if asked.
Type your new password and enter it again to verify.
Tap Change or Change Password.

If you are not signed in to your Apple Account on the device, open Settings, tap Sign in to your iPhone, and use the “Forgot password or don’t have an Apple Account?” option.

How to Change Your Apple ID Password on a Mac

Click the Apple menu and open System Settings (System Preferences on older macOS).
Click your name in the sidebar. On older versions, click Apple ID.
Click Sign-In & Security (or Password & Security).
Click Change Password.
Enter the password you use to unlock your Mac when prompted.
Enter and confirm your new Apple Account password, then click Change.

How to Change Your Apple ID Password on the Web

This method works on Windows PCs, Android phones, Chromebooks and any device with a browser.

Go to account.apple.com and sign in.
Select Sign-In and Security.
Select Password.
Enter your current password.
Enter your new password and confirm it.
Select Change Password.

Apple may ask for a verification code sent to a trusted device or phone number. Enter the code to continue. For official help, see Apple’s Apple Account support page.

How to Reset Your Apple ID Password If You Forgot It

If you do not remember your current password, you can still regain access using one of these methods.

Method 1: Reset on a Trusted iPhone, iPad or Mac

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.
Instead of typing the old password, you will be asked for your device passcode, which proves you own the device.
Enter a new password and confirm it.

On a Mac, you can use your Mac login password in the same way.

Method 2: Use iforgot.apple.com

Visit iforgot.apple.com.
Enter your Apple Account email or phone number.
Confirm the phone number linked to your account if asked.
Follow the prompts. Apple may send a code to a trusted device or number.
Create a new password when prompted.

Method 3: Account Recovery

If you do not have a trusted device or number available, Apple may start Account Recovery. This is a security process that can include a waiting period of several days before you can get back in. The wait is intended to protect you from someone else trying to take over your account. Apple will notify you by email or text when it is ready. Keep your devices on and avoid starting the process more than once, since repeat requests can reset the timer.

Method 4: Recovery Key or Recovery Contact

If you set up a Recovery Key or a Recovery Contact, you can use them to get back in. A Recovery Contact is a trusted person who can help you regain access. It is worth setting these up in advance under Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Account Recovery.

Apple ID Password Requirements

Apple requires a password that is at least eight characters long and contains:

At least one uppercase letter
At least one lowercase letter
At least one number

It should not contain more than three consecutive identical characters, should not match your Apple Account name, and you cannot reuse a password you used in the past year. These rules can be updated by Apple, so follow the on-screen guidance. For stronger protection, go well beyond the minimum and create a password of 12 to 16 characters or more. See our guide to creating a strong password for 12 practical rules, and read CISA’s advice on using strong passwords.

Tips for a Strong Apple Password

Use a long passphrase made from several unrelated words, plus numbers or symbols.
Never reuse the password from your email, banking or social media.
Do not use birthdays, names, phone numbers or common words.
Let Passwords (Apple’s built-in password manager) or another trusted manager create and store it.

What Happens After You Change Your Apple ID Password?

When you change your password, Apple may sign you out of your Apple Account on other devices and websites. You will be asked to sign in again using the new password. Here is what to expect:

iPhone, iPad and Mac: a prompt may appear asking you to enter the new password. Tap or click it and sign in.
Apple Watch and Apple TV: you may need to sign in again.
Windows with iCloud: open iCloud for Windows and sign in again.
Family Sharing and subscriptions: these stay connected to your account and are not deleted.
Photos, backups and purchases: these remain safe in your account.

If a device keeps asking for the old password, restart it and sign in again from Settings.

Secure Your Apple Account After Changing the Password

1. Check Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is on by default for most Apple Accounts. It sends a verification code to your trusted devices or numbers when someone tries to sign in. Confirm it is on under Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security.

2. Review Trusted Devices

Scroll down on your Apple Account page to see the devices signed in. Remove anything you do not recognize or no longer use.

3. Update Trusted Phone Numbers

Make sure at least one number is current. If you change SIM cards or numbers, update it right away.

4. Set Up Account Recovery

Add a Recovery Contact or Recovery Key so you are not locked out if you forget your password again.

5. Review App and Privacy Settings

See which apps and websites have access to your account. Our account privacy settings guide walks through key checks across major platforms.

6. Back Up Your Data

Make sure your iCloud backup is current. Learn how backup works in our explainer on what cloud storage is, and see how to recover deleted files if something goes missing.

Common Problems When Changing an Apple ID Password

You Cannot Find “Change Password”

Update iOS or macOS to the latest version. Newer versions place the option under Sign-In & Security. If you are signed out, sign in first or use iforgot.apple.com.

The Verification Code Does Not Arrive

Check that your trusted device is online. Verification codes appear on-screen on other Apple devices, and not only as text messages. Confirm your trusted number is correct and has signal. Restart your phone and try again.

“This Apple Account Has Been Locked for Security Reasons”

Apple locks an account when it detects too many wrong password attempts or suspicious activity. Visit iforgot.apple.com and follow the unlock steps, or begin account recovery.

New Password Is Not Accepted

Check the requirements above. Make sure it has uppercase and lowercase letters and a number, is not too similar to your name, and has not been used in the last year.

Device Is Stuck on “Verifying” or Keeps Asking for the Old Password

Check that you are connected to the internet, restart the device, and sign out then in again. If problems continue, see our tech troubleshooting guide for a step-by-step method that works for most devices.

Apple ID Password vs Device Passcode: What Is the Difference?

These are two different things that people often confuse.

Item	What it protects	Where you use it
Apple Account password	Your online account, iCloud, App Store, purchases, Find My	Sign-in screens on any device or website
Device passcode	The physical device and its local data	Unlocking your iPhone, iPad or Mac
Screen Time passcode	Time limits and content restrictions	Screen Time settings

Changing one does not change the others. However, your device passcode can often be used to help reset your Apple Account password on a trusted device, so keep it private.

Is Your Apple ID Password Safe to Change on a Public Computer?

It is better to avoid it. If you must use a shared or public computer, use a private browsing window, never save your password, and sign out completely afterwards. Even better, change it on your own device where you are already signed in and trusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my Apple ID password?

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Change Password, enter your device passcode and set a new password. On a Mac, use System Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security. Or sign in at account.apple.com.

How do I change my Apple ID password on iPhone?

Open Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then Change Password. Enter your passcode, type the new password twice and confirm. You may be asked to sign in again on other devices.

How do I reset my Apple ID password if I forgot it?

Use a trusted iPhone, iPad or Mac and choose Change Password with your device passcode, or visit iforgot.apple.com and follow the steps. If you have no trusted device, Apple may start Account Recovery, which can involve a waiting period.

Can I change my Apple ID password without the old one?

Yes. On a trusted Apple device, Apple asks for your device passcode instead of the old password. You can also use iforgot.apple.com with a trusted phone number or device to reset it.

What are Apple ID password requirements?

The password must be at least eight characters and include an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter and a number. It should avoid three repeated characters in a row and cannot match a password you used in the past year.

Why can’t I change my Apple ID password?

Common causes include an outdated iOS or macOS version, being signed out, a locked account, a missing trusted device or number, or a password that does not meet requirements. Update your software and try iforgot.apple.com.

How long does Apple Account Recovery take?

It can take several days, depending on how much information Apple can verify. Apple sends a message when the process is ready. Avoid repeated requests, because they may restart the waiting period.

Will changing my Apple ID password delete my data?

No. Your photos, backups, contacts and purchases stay in your account. You are simply asked to sign in again with the new password on your devices and services.

Do I need to change my Apple ID password regularly?

Not on a fixed schedule if the password is strong, unique and has not been exposed. Change it right away if you suspect a leak, see unfamiliar sign-ins, reused the password elsewhere, or lost a device.

Is Apple ID the same as an Apple Account?

Yes. Apple renamed Apple ID to Apple Account in newer software. Your email, password and data stay the same, and the sign-in process works in the same way.

How do I know if my Apple ID was hacked?

Signs include sign-in alerts you did not trigger, unknown devices in your account, purchases you did not make, changed account details, or verification codes you did not request. Change your password and review trusted devices immediately.

Conclusion

Changing your Apple ID password is quick, and doing it properly keeps your photos, backups, purchases and devices protected. Use Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Change Password on iPhone, the same path in System Settings on Mac, or account.apple.com on the web. If you forgot it, rely on a trusted device or iforgot.apple.com. Then secure the account with a long, unique password, two-factor authentication and a recovery method. For more official guidance, visit Apple Support, and explore our technology tutorials. If you also want to secure your social accounts, read how to change your Facebook password.