A good password manager means you rarely need to remember a password yourself. It fills things in automatically, keeps everything secure, and gives you a safe place to look up anything you forget. That is the ideal.

But not everyone uses a password manager consistently, and Apple ID passwords in particular tend to cause issues. Many people forget passwords often. Some surveys say nearly half of users forget at least one password each month. Most accounts are easy enough to reset through email, but your Apple Account is different. Because it holds so much personal and sensitive data, Apple protects it more strongly. Recovery works differently, and it is important to understand your options ahead of time.

So what should you or someone you know do if the Apple Account password is forgotten? And what can you set up ahead of time to make recovery simple during a stressful moment? At kGinger, we guide clients through Apple ecosystem setup regularly, and Apple provides several helpful ways to regain access. Setting them up only takes a few minutes and can prevent a lot of worry later.

Apple Account Recovery Methods

Apple offers five ways to regain access to an Apple Account when the password has been forgotten and needs to be reset.

Two-factor authentication: When you start the process of changing your Apple Account password, Apple sends an approval request to any trusted device you can unlock with its passcode or password. Because you already control that device, it confirms that you are the person requesting the reset.

Trusted phone number: If you do not have access to a trusted device because it is lost, broken, or out of reach, Apple sends a six digit verification code via text message or phone call to any trusted phone number on your account. This is a strong fallback option and often the one people rely on when traveling or between devices.

Recovery contact: If you do not have access to your trusted devices or trusted phone numbers, you can turn to a recovery contact. This is a trusted person you choose ahead of time who can help in an emergency by providing a one time code. They never gain access to your data, and they do not manage your account in any way.

Recovery key: For users who want more control and who are comfortable managing a long, complex code, Apple offers a 28 character recovery key. If you enable a recovery key, you will use it instead of Apple’s automated Account Recovery process. It provides a high level of control and security but should only be used if you are confident you can store it safely and retrieve it later.

Account Recovery: If no trusted devices, trusted numbers, or recovery contacts are available, Apple falls back on Account Recovery. This process is intended as a last resort when everything else fails. It can take hours or days while Apple runs automated checks to verify the legitimacy of the request.

Setting Up Recovery Methods

All recovery options can be set up in the same place.
On iPhone or iPad: Settings > Your Name > Sign In and Security
On Mac: System Settings > Your Name > Sign In and Security

Start by making sure two factor authentication is turned on. Most users already have this enabled, but if you do not, Apple will prompt you to turn it on. You can also review your list of trusted devices here. Next, add one or more trusted phone numbers. In the Two Factor Authentication section, scroll down and tap Add a Trusted Phone Number. A second number is extremely helpful if you ever lose access to your primary device.

To add recovery contacts, return to the Sign In and Security screen and tap Recovery Contacts, then Add Recovery Contact. Apple encourages choosing someone you trust and someone who is easy to reach. Family Sharing members appear automatically, while others will need to accept an invitation.

If you choose to set up a recovery key, go back to the main Sign In and Security menu and tap Recovery Key. Follow the instructions to generate it, then print or write the key down and store it somewhere secure. You will need to confirm the key to complete setup. Keep in mind that enabling a recovery key requires entering that key during account recovery and using a verification code sent to a trusted phone number. If you enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, you must have either a recovery key or a recovery contact, since Apple cannot help you recover the account.

Account Recovery does not require any setup. It simply becomes available when no other method can be used.

Even though these steps look detailed, they usually take only a few minutes. Turning on two factor authentication, adding trusted numbers, and selecting recovery contacts covers most situations for most people.

Reset the Apple Account Password

When the time comes to reset your Apple Account password, you can start the process in three different places.

On a trusted device: If you can unlock any trusted device, this is the easiest and quickest method. Follow the onscreen prompts to approve the reset with two factor authentication.

Using the Apple Support app on another device: If you do not have access to one of your own Apple devices but you do have access to a trusted phone number or a recovery contact, you can use the Apple Support app on someone else’s device. Open the app and scroll to Support Tools. Tap Reset Password, then Help Someone Else. Enter your Apple Account email address or phone number and follow the prompts.

From a web browser: If no Apple devices are available, use a computer or any device with a browser and visit iforgot.apple.com. Follow the instructions provided there.

If you must use the longer Account Recovery process, Apple recommends avoiding activity on any devices that are still signed in with the Apple ID you are trying to reset. Using the account during recovery can automatically cancel the recovery process. You can check your recovery status or estimated wait time any time at iforgot.apple.com.

Final Tip

Store your Apple ID password in a password manager. Apple now includes a built in password manager called Passwords in current versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Keeping your Apple ID saved securely ensures that you can always look it up when you need it.

(Featured image by iStock.com/Francisco Javier Ortiz Marzo)