How do I recover a forgotten Apple ID password or verification code?
Answer
Use Apple’s official Forgot password flow at iforgot.apple.com or from the iPhone sign-in screen. Reset with a trusted device, recovery key, or account recovery—never through unexpected texts, calls, or third-party unlock services.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Stop if a site or caller asks you to pay to unlock an Apple ID outside Apple’s official recovery tools.
Follow these steps
Start Apple’s Forgot password process
On iPhone, tap Forgot password? on the Apple ID screen, or on a computer open iforgot.apple.com. Enter the Apple ID email or phone number.
You should see: Apple shows identity confirmation options for that account.
Confirm your identity the trusted way
Choose a trusted phone number, trusted device prompt, or recovery key if you have one. Enter the code only into Apple’s official screen.
You should see: Apple accepts the confirmation and allows a password reset.
Create a new Apple ID password
Set a new strong password, then sign in on the iPhone with that password. Update saved passwords in your password manager if you use one.
You should see: Sign-in succeeds with the new password on the device.
Use account recovery if no trusted device remains
If Apple cannot verify you immediately, start account recovery and follow the on-screen wait or additional checks. Do not bypass this with unofficial unlock services.
You should see: Apple begins recovery and later notifies you when the account can be reset.
Add recovery options after access returns
In Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security (wording may vary), confirm a trusted phone number, trusted devices, and consider a recovery key if appropriate for your setup.
You should see: Future resets have a clearer trusted path than a single forgotten code.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A Forgot password? link on the Apple ID sign-in screen, requests for a verification code on another Apple device, or an account recovery waiting period message.
Before you change anything: Confirm the exact Apple ID email or phone number. Keep any trusted devices nearby if they still receive Apple verification codes. Use only appleid.apple.com / iforgot.apple.com or the built-in iPhone prompts. Never share passwords or codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.