How Do I Recover My Apple Account?
In a nutshell: To regain access to your Apple account after forgetting your password, use a trusted device or the web. Enter your passcode to reset the password; however, Face ID may allow you to bypass this. If you can’t recall your passcode, initiate account recovery
Introduction
Did you forget your Apple password and need to regain access to your account? You can reset your password via the web or by using a trusted device, such as your iPhone or iPad. In most cases, you’ll need your device’s passcode to complete the password reset. However, if Face ID is enabled on a trusted device, you may not need to enter the passcode. For those who can't remember their passcode, the option is to start the account recovery process and regain access to your account. Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions on recovering your Apple account.
Go to Iforgot.apple.com
Click 'Reset Password'.
Tap Reset Password Again
You need to click on the 'Reset My Password' link to recover your Apple account.
Enter Your iPhone Passcode
If you remembered your passcode, type it in so you could reset your password and recover your account.
Enter a New Password
Type in your new password twice, and click Continue.
Click Done
After changing your password, wait for the message that says “Your password has been changed,” then click Done. Your Apple account has now been successfully recovered.
If you have a trusted Apple device, proceed to the next step.
Go to Settings and Tap Your Name
Tap Sign-In & Security
Tap Change Password
There's no need to enter the passcode if you activated your Face ID.
Enter a New Password
Enter your new password twice to reset your password and recover your account. Click Continue.
If you still can't reset your password, note that an account recovery contact can also assist you in recovering your account. How to do this? Check out the steps below.
Ask your Account Recovery Contact to go to Settings
Tap Sign In & Security
Tap Account Recovery and Your Name
Tap Get Recovery Code
Ask your account recovery contact for the recovery code. Use this code to reset your password and recover your Apple account.
For users who don't have an account recovery contact, the last resort to regain access to their account is to start the account recovery process. To do this, go to Settings on your Apple device and sign in to your account. You will get the "start account recovery" if you can't sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait until the account recovery process is complete.
Wait for an email from Apple, which should arrive within 72 hours, with details on when you can regain access to your account. You may also receive a phone call or text message with further instructions on how to complete the account recovery process.
Conclusion
If you started the account recovery process and later remembered your password, you can simply sign back in to your Apple account. This will cancel the recovery request and allow you to use Apple services again. If you received an email about an account recovery request, and you did not start the recovery process, it may indicate that someone else attempted to access your account. Follow the instructions in the email to cancel the request and secure your account. Still have questions about recovering your Apple account? Contact Customer Support today for assistance.
Further questions?
Solutions to similar problems
Help from Real People
Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Apple Problems?
GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Apple in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Recover My Apple Account? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.