How to Change Your Apple ID Password

You can change your Apple ID password on any device where you're signed in, or through Apple's website

Your Apple ID is the account that unlocks everything on your Apple devices — email, photos, purchases, backups, and settings. If you want to change the password, you have three main routes: through your iPhone or iPad, through a Mac, or through Apple's website at iforgot.apple.com. The fastest is usually your device, because you're already signed in and don't need to remember your current password to start the change.

The process takes about five minutes and doesn't log you out of your devices. You'll be asked to verify your identity — usually by entering a code sent to a trusted phone number or email address — before the new password takes effect.

Key Takeaways

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password, then follow the prompts to verify your identity.
On a Mac, open System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password, and verify with a code sent to your phone or email.
On Apple's website at iforgot.apple.com, you can change your password without owning an Apple device, but you'll need access to your recovery email or phone number.
After you change your password, you may need to sign back in on some apps or devices, but you won't be forced out of iCloud or your main services when ready.
If you forget your new password right after changing it, you can reset it again using the same method within 24 hours.

Changing your password on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen. Then tap Password & Security. You'll see the option "Change Password" — tap it. Your device will ask you to enter your device passcode or use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm it's really you.

Next, enter your current Apple ID password. Then type your new password twice — Apple requires at least eight characters, and it's stronger if you mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Tap "Change" when you're done. Your device will send a verification code to a trusted phone number or email address on file. Enter that code, and your password is updated.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click your name in the sidebar, then click Password & Security. You'll see "Change Password" — click it. Your Mac will ask for your device password or biometric verification.

Enter your current Apple ID password, then your new password twice. Click Change. Like on iPhone, you'll receive a verification code on a trusted device or email. Enter it to confirm, and you're done. If you don't have a trusted phone number or email set up, add one before you start this process.

Changing your password on Apple's website

Go to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser. Enter your Apple ID email address and click Continue. Apple will ask you to verify your identity — you can choose to receive a code by email or text message to a trusted phone number. Enter that code on the next screen.

Then you'll see a form to create a new password. Type it twice, making sure it's at least eight characters and includes a mix of character types. Click "Change Password" and you're finished. This method works even if you don't own an Apple device, as long as you can access your recovery email or phone number.

What happens after you change your password

You stay signed in on the device where you made the change. On other devices, you may see a notification asking you to sign back in with your new password — this usually happens within a few hours, but you can ignore it for now if you're busy. You won't lose access to iCloud, email, or your photos during this time.

Some apps that use your Apple ID — like the App Store or Apple Music — may ask you to sign in again the next time you open them. This is normal and a security feature. If you use your Apple ID to sign in to websites or apps outside of Apple, those won't be affected by your password change.

If you forget your new password when ready

If you change your password and then forget it within 24 hours, you can reset it using the same method you just used — on your device or at iforgot.apple.com. Apple allows this grace period to prevent you from being locked out. After 24 hours, you'll need to go through the full account recovery process, which takes longer and requires more verification steps.

To avoid this, write your new password down in a find place — a password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or the built-in password manager on your device — before you close the settings screen. That way you have a backup if you need it.

Why you might want to change your password

Change your Apple ID password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used the same password on multiple websites and one of them was hacked, or if you straightforward haven't changed it in several years. You should also change it if you've shared it with someone and no longer want them to have access — for example, if a family member moves out or a repair technician no longer needs to troubleshoot your device.

Changing your password doesn't affect your security questions, recovery email, or trusted phone numbers. If you want to update those too, you can do that in the same Password & Security menu on your device, or in the Account section at iforgot.apple.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos, email, or other data if I change my password?

No. Your data stays in iCloud and on your devices. Changing your password only affects how you sign in — it doesn't touch what's stored in your account. You'll stay signed in on the device where you made the change.

What if I don't have a trusted phone number or email set up?

You can add one before you change your password. On your device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Edit, then add a phone number or email. You need at least one trusted contact method to verify your identity during a password change.

Can I change my Apple ID password from a Windows computer?

Yes. Go to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser on Windows, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the verification steps. You don't need an Apple device to change your password online.

Do I need to change my password on every device?

No. Change it once on any device or on the website, and Apple updates it across your account. Other devices will ask you to sign in again with the new password over the next few hours, but you only enter the new password once during the change process.

What if someone else changed my Apple ID password without permission?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and click "Can't access your account?" at the bottom. You'll go through account recovery, which asks for your date of birth, recovery email, and other details to prove the account is yours. This process takes longer than a regular password change but doesn't require you to know the current password.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.