How do I reset an Apple Account password when the device is broken?
Answer
Use Apple's account recovery from any web browser or from a friend's Apple device using the Apple Support app. If verification depends on the broken device, you can start account recovery, which verifies your identity over several days without it.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never share a verification code with anyone, including someone claiming to be Apple Support. Apple does not ask for them.
- With a recovery key enabled and no key or trusted device, Apple cannot restore the account at all.
Follow these steps
Try the trusted phone number first
Go to Apple's account page in a browser, start a password reset, and choose to receive a code by text.
You should see: A code arrives and you can set a new password.
Borrow another Apple device
On a friend's iPhone or iPad, use the Apple Support app to reset your password. It does not sign them out.
You should see: The reset runs on their device.
Start account recovery if needed
If no trusted device or number is reachable, begin account recovery and supply as much verifying detail as you can.
You should see: Recovery starts and Apple gives an estimated wait.
Wait it out without retrying
Do not start further requests while recovery runs — repeated attempts can extend the wait.
You should see: Recovery completes on schedule.
Update trusted details afterwards
Once in, add a current trusted phone number and a second trusted device.
You should see: Future resets do not depend on one device.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether your trusted phone number is one you can still receive texts on. That single fact decides between minutes and days.
Before you change anything: Do not start account recovery if a faster route exists — beginning it can lock other options while it runs.
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