Lost my iphone and forgot apple id password

If you have an Apple device, then your Apple ID is very important. It's how you log into iCloud, download something from the App Store, keep an eye on subscriptions, set up Find My to keep track of your gadgets and much more.

So, if you forget your Apple ID password, it can feel like the end of the world. But it isn't. If you've forgotten your Apple password there are several ways you can easily reset it. The most common, and easiest, is to use the web browser on your Apple device, whether you're working on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. 

In our guide below we'll show you the most common ways to reset your Apple ID password and get up-and-running with iCloud and the App Store again in no time.

How to reset your Apple ID or iCloud password with your email address or security questions

If you don't have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID (we highly recommend doing this for security reasons), you'll need to use your email address or answer security questions to change your password.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com (opens in new tab) in any web browser.
  2. Enter your Apple ID email address.
  3. Add the character you see on the screen. 
  4. Click Continue.

Lost my iphone and forgot apple id password

(Image credit: iMore)
  1. Confirm your phone number.
  2. Choose Continue.
  3. Follow Apple's additional instructions on the screen. 

(Image credit: iMore)

How to reset your Apple ID or iCloud password on iPhone or other trusted Apple device

The best way to reset your Apple ID password is by using a device that you're already signed into. Of course this won't be helpful if you have a new device or you can't get into one, in both of those cases, head down to the new device steps below.

  1. Tap the Settings app on your device. 
  2. Choose your name at the top of the main Settings page. 
  3. Select Password & Security.
  4. Tap Change Password.
  5. Follow the additional instructions.

(Image credit: iMore)

You can also follow these steps on a trusted iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch.

How to reset your Apple ID or iCloud password on Mac

You can also change your Apple ID password through a Mac. 

  1. Select the Apple icon at the top left of the computer. 
  2. Choose System Preferences from the pull-down menu. 
  3. Click your Apple ID.
  4. Select Password & Security. 
  5. Click Change Password and follow the additional instructions.

(Image credit: iMore)

How to reset your Apple or iCloud password on a new device

If you're attempting to change your Apple ID on a new device, you can do so by following a different series of steps. A "new device" is any Apple device where you aren't signed in with your Apple ID. You'll perform this by selecting "Forgot Apple ID or password?" when the option appears. 

This solution can also be performed on someone else's Apple device. 

How to reset your Apple ID or iCloud password on the Apple Support app

It's also possible to reset your Apple device using the official Apple support app (opens in new tab) for iPhones and iPad. 

  1. Tap on the Apple ID link under the More products heading. 
  2. Then, select Forget Apple ID Password. 
  3. Choose Get Started and follow the additional instructions. 

(Image credit: iMore)

Several options to choose from

Your Apple ID allows you to use the full range of Apple features, like Find My, the App Store and iCloud. That's why it's essential that you remember your password—or store it somewhere safe. 

However, if you do forget it, there are plenty of ways you can get signed back in. The easiest is using a trusted device you're already signed in on. But if you have a new device or want to use the web or app instead, the step-by-step guides above should help you get up-and-running again quickly and easily.

While setting up a new Apple device, you'll be asked to sign into your Apple ID. If you can't remember your password, no worries. Here's how to reset your password during the setup process.

1. During device setup, select Forgot Apple ID or Password? whenever the option is available.

2. Finish the setup process.

3. Once setup is complete, select an app or another option that requires you to sign into your Apple ID. On iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you can select Messages. On your Mac computer, follow the instructions above. 

Resetting your Apple ID password without an Apple device

If you've forsaken Apple devices after previously using them, but you still need to log into your Apple ID, you have a few options. You can either borrow a friend or family member's Apple device, or you can use one of the devices in an Apple store. You can't follow the same directions as above, though. Instead, here's how to change your Apple ID password from a borrowed or in-store device.

1. Open the Apple Support app. You can also download the Apple Support app from the App Store.

2. Select Passwords & Security.

3. Select Reset Apple ID Password.

4. Select Get Started.

5. Select A different Apple ID. 

6. Enter your Apple ID and follow the onscreen prompts.

7. Once your password is reset, make sure to log out. You don't want someone else to have access to your profile.

Reset your Apple ID password from the web

If all else fails, Apple has a website you can visit to reset your Apple ID password. However, Apple warns this process might take longer than the other methods on this list. But if it's your only option, visit iforgot.apple.com, follow the instructions and your password will be reset.

It's important to remember that once you change your Apple ID password on one device, you'll have to log back in on your other devices with your new password. So instead of forgetting your new password in three days and repeating this cycle again, save yourself the headache now and log back into everything while your new password is fresh in your mind.