Change your Apple password through your account settings on any device

You can change your Apple password (the one you use to sign into your Apple ID account) from an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows computer. The fastest route is usually your iPhone or iPad if you have one, because the steps are shortest. On any device, you go into settings, find your Apple ID section, and choose the password option. The whole process takes about five minutes and you stay signed in — you do not have to log out and back in.

Your Apple password protects access to your email, iCloud storage, App Store purchases, and any other services tied to that Apple ID. If you suspect someone else knows your password, or if you use the same password on multiple accounts, changing it is worth doing right away. Apple will ask you to verify your identity before letting you set a new one, usually by sending a code to a trusted device or phone number you have on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Apple password from Settings on iPhone or iPad, System Settings on Mac, or appleid.apple.com on any web browser.
  • Apple requires you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to a trusted device or phone number before you can set a new password.
  • Your new password must be at least eight characters long and cannot be one you have used in the past year.
  • After you change your password, you stay signed in on the device you used to make the change, but you may need to enter the new password on other devices within a few days.

Change your password on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap Password & Security, then tap Change Password. You will see a screen asking you to enter your current password. Type it in, then tap Next.

Apple will send a verification code to one of your trusted devices — usually the iPhone or iPad you are using right now, or another device you have set up with your Apple ID. Check that device for the code (it may appear as a notification or in the Settings app), enter it on the screen in front of you, and tap Next. Now type your new password twice to confirm it matches, then tap Change.

Change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings. Click your name in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down to find it), then click Password & Security on the right. Click Change Password.

Enter your current password and click Next. Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device. Retrieve the code, enter it, and click Next. Type your new password twice and click Change. If you do not have a trusted device nearby, you can use a trusted phone number instead — Apple will text or call you with the code.

Change your password on Windows or any web browser

Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser and sign in with your Apple ID and current password. Click Password & Security on the left side of the page. Click Change Password.

Enter your current password and click Next. Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number. Enter the code and click Next. Type your new password twice and click Change. This method works on Windows, Android, or any computer, and you do not need to own an Apple device to use it.

What makes a strong Apple password

Apple requires your new password to be at least eight characters long. It should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like ! or @) if possible. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your username, or anything that appears in your Apple ID email address.

A strong password is one that would take a long time to guess by trying combinations. "Tr0pic@lSunset42" is stronger than "password123" or "AppleID2024". If you use a password manager like iCloud Keychain, 1Password, or Bitwarden, you can generate a random password and store it there instead of trying to remember it.

What happens after you change your password

You stay signed in on the device you used to make the change. On other devices — a second iPhone, a Mac, or a Windows computer — you may be asked to enter your new password within a few days. This is normal. When the prompt appears, enter your new password and you will stay signed in.

If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which you should), you will also need to enter a verification code when you sign in on a new device. This adds an extra layer of security because someone would need both your password and access to your phone or email to get into your account.

If you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, you can reset it at appleid.apple.com by clicking Forgot Apple ID or password on the sign-in screen. Apple will ask you to verify your identity using a trusted device, a recovery key, or a recovery contact (another person you have designated). This process can take a few hours to a few days depending on which verification method you choose.

To avoid this situation, write your new password down in a find place (a locked drawer, a password manager, or a physical notebook you keep safe) until you are sure you will remember it. Do not email it to yourself or text it to anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password if I change my Apple ID email address?

No. Changing your email address and changing your password are separate actions. You can change your email without touching your password, or change your password without changing your email. If you do both, do them one at a time so you do not get confused about which credentials to use.

What if I do not have a trusted device to receive the verification code?

You can use a trusted phone number instead. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click Password & Security, and choose to receive the code by text or call to a phone number you have on file. If you do not have either a trusted device or a trusted phone number set up, you will need to add one before you can change your password.

Will changing my password sign me out of the App Store?

No. You stay signed in on the device you used to make the change. On other devices, you may be asked to enter your new password within a few days, but you will not be suddenly signed out of everything at once.

Can I use the same password I used before?

No. Apple does not allow you to reuse a password you have used in the past year. If you try to enter an old password, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different one.

What should I do if I think someone else changed my Apple password?

Go to appleid.apple.com and click Forgot Apple ID or password. Follow the steps to verify your identity using a trusted device, recovery key, or recovery contact. If you cannot verify your identity that way, contact Apple Support by phone or through their website — they can help you regain access to your account.