Change your iCloud password from any device with internet access

You can change your iCloud password on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any computer with a web browser. The fastest route is usually your iPhone or iPad, since you're already signed in — you go to Settings, tap your name, then tap Password & Security. On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, then click Password & Security. On any other computer, go to iforgot.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and select "Change password" from the menu.

The process takes about five minutes. Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number you've already registered with your account. You'll need that code before you can set a new password. If you don't have access to a trusted device, you can use a recovery key instead — a long code Apple gave you when you first set up two-factor authentication. Keep that key somewhere safe, because it's your backup if you lose access to your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password to update your password in under a minute.
  • On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name, then click Password & Security and follow the same steps.
  • On any other computer, visit iforgot.apple.com, sign in, and select "Change password" from the menu.
  • Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number — you need this code to confirm the change.
  • If you don't have access to a trusted device, you can use your recovery key instead, so store it somewhere you won't lose it.

What happens on your iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Scroll down and tap Password & Security. Tap Change Password. Enter your current iCloud password when prompted, then enter your new password twice. Your new password needs at least eight characters and must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol — Apple enforces this automatically and will tell you if your password is too weak.

After you enter your new password, Apple sends a verification code to a trusted device. This is usually the iPhone or iPad you're using right now, but it could be another device you've registered. You'll see a prompt asking you to enter that code. Once you do, the password change is complete. You'll be signed out of iCloud on all your devices and will need to sign back in with your new password within a few days — Apple gives you time to update each device before it forces you out.

What happens on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click your name (it appears at the very top). Click Password & Security. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your Mac password to unlock the settings. Click Change Password. Enter your current iCloud password, then enter your new password twice using the same requirements as on iPhone — at least eight characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol.

Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device. Enter that code when prompted. The change takes effect when ready on your Mac, but you'll need to update your password on your other devices within a few days. If you have a Mac running an older version of macOS, the steps may be slightly different — look for iCloud settings in System Preferences instead of System Settings, but the process is the same.

What happens on a Windows computer or any web browser

Go to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID and password. You'll see a menu with several options. Click "Change password." Enter your current password, then enter your new password twice. The password rules are the same: at least eight characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol.

Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number. Enter that code when prompted. Once you do, your password is changed. You'll be signed out of iCloud on all your devices and will need to sign back in with your new password within a few days. This method works on any computer, including Windows PCs, Chromebooks, or Linux machines — you don't need to own an Apple device to change your password this way.

Using your recovery key if you can't access a trusted device

If you don't have access to any of your trusted devices and can't receive a verification code, you can use your recovery key instead. This is a long alphanumeric code that Apple gave you when you first turned on two-factor authentication. Go to iforgot.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and select "Change password." When Apple asks for a verification code, look for an option that says "Don't have access to your trusted devices?" or "Use your recovery key." Click that option and enter your recovery key instead of a code.

Your recovery key is the only way to change your password if all your trusted devices are lost or broken. That's why Apple recommends writing it down or storing it in a password manager the day you receive it. If you've lost your recovery key and can't access any trusted devices, you'll need to go through Apple's account recovery process, which takes longer and requires more verification steps.

What to do after you change your password

After you change your password, you'll be signed out of iCloud on all your devices. You don't need to sign back in right away — Apple gives you a grace period of a few days. During that time, your devices will keep working, but you'll see a prompt asking you to update your password. Tap it and enter your new password to sign back in.

Start with the devices you use most often: your phone, tablet, or computer. Go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac), tap your name, and enter your new password when prompted. If you have a Mac, you may also need to update your password in Keychain — open Keychain Access, search for iCloud, and update the password there. For other services that use your Apple ID, like the App Store or Apple Music, you may need to sign out and sign back in separately, though most devices handle this automatically.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your iCloud password every few months reduces the risk that an old password could be used if it's leaked from another service. Many people reuse passwords across different websites, so if one site gets hacked, your iCloud account could be at risk. A unique, strong iCloud password that you change occasionally makes it harder for someone to access your photos, emails, and other data stored in iCloud.

You should also change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you've used it on a website that was hacked, or if you've shared it with someone and no longer trust them. Apple's two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection, but a strong password is still your first line of defense. If you're worried your account has been compromised, changing your password is the first step — you can also review which devices are signed in to your account in the Password & Security settings and remove any you don't recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on each device separately?

No. When you change your password in Settings on one device, it updates across your entire iCloud account. You'll be signed out on all devices, but you only need to enter your new password once per device when you sign back in. You don't need to go through the change process on each one.

What if I forget my new password right after changing it?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and click "Forgot Apple ID or password." Follow the steps to reset it. You'll need access to a trusted device or your recovery key, just like when you change your password normally. Write down your new password or store it in a password manager to avoid this.

Can I change my password if I don't have a trusted device?

Yes, if you have your recovery key. Go to iforgot.apple.com, sign in, select "Change password," and choose the option to use your recovery key instead of a verification code. If you don't have your recovery key and can't access any trusted devices, you'll need to go through Apple's account recovery process.

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

Not when ready. You'll stay signed in to the App Store for a while, but you may be asked to enter your new password the next time you read an app or make a purchase. This is normal and expected — just enter your new password when prompted.

What's the difference between changing my password and resetting it?

Changing your password means you know your current password and want to replace it with a new one. Resetting your password means you've forgotten it and need Apple to help you create a new one. Resetting takes longer because Apple needs to verify your identity through trusted devices or recovery keys.