How to Recover a Forgotten Apple ID or Password: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Apple ID is the backbone of your experience with Apple products. It connects you to iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, iMessage, FaceTime, and more. But forgetting your Apple ID or password can lock you out of your entire digital life. Whether you’ve just purchased a new device or haven’t logged in for a while, not being able to remember your credentials can be stressful—but it’s also entirely fixable.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to recover a forgotten Apple ID or password. Whether you’re on your iPhone, Mac, or using a web browser, there are reliable ways to regain access and secure your account again.

What Is an Apple ID?

Before we dive into recovery steps, let’s briefly clarify what your Apple ID is. An Apple ID is the account you use to access Apple services like:

• iCloud (backup, photos, notes, etc.)

• App Store and Apple Music

• FaceTime and iMessage

• Find My iPhone/Mac

• Apple Pay and Apple Wallet

It typically consists of an email address and a password, with optional two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.

First: Figure Out What You Forgot

There are two common scenarios when you're locked out:

1. You forgot your Apple ID email address.

2. You remember your email, but forgot your Apple ID password.

Apple has different tools to help in each case.

Scenario 1: You Forgot Your Apple ID (Email Address)

If you can’t remember which email you used for your Apple ID, here’s what to do:

Method 1: Check on a Device You're Logged Into

If you're still signed in on another device:

• On iPhone or iPad:
  Go to Settings > [Your Name]. Your Apple ID email is displayed at the top.

• On Mac:
  Go to System Settings > [Your Name] > Apple ID. Your email will be listed there.

Method 2: Look Through Your Email Accounts

Search your inbox for Apple receipts, App Store notifications, or iCloud emails. These often include the Apple ID that was used for the transaction or service.

Search for keywords like:

• "Your Apple receipt"

• "Apple ID"

• "iCloud backup"

Method 3: Use Apple’s Account Recovery Tool

1. Visit iforgot.apple.com.

2. Click “Look it up” under the Apple ID field.

3. Enter your first name, last name, and possible email addresses.

4. Apple will check if any match an Apple ID and display the correct one if found.

Scenario 2: You Forgot Your Apple ID Password

If you remember your Apple ID email but forgot the password, you can reset it using Apple’s secure recovery process.

Step 1: Go to Apple’s Password Reset Page

Visit iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email.

Step 2: Choose How to Reset Your Password

Depending on your account settings, you’ll be offered options like:

• Email verification: A link will be sent to your Apple ID email address.

• Answer security questions: If you set them up previously.

• Two-factor authentication: If enabled, a code will be sent to your trusted device or phone number.

Recovering Password Using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If your Apple ID has two-factor authentication enabled:

On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.

2. Tap Change Password.

3. Enter your device passcode.

4. Enter and confirm your new Apple ID password.

On a Mac:

1. Open System Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security.

2. Click Change Password.

3. Enter your Mac login password.

4. Enter and verify a new Apple ID password.

If You Can’t Access a Trusted Device or Phone Number

If you don’t have access to any of your trusted devices or phone numbers, you’ll need to initiate account recovery.

How to Start Account Recovery:

1. Go to iforgot.apple.com.

2. Enter your Apple ID.

3. Click "Can’t use any of these options?" when prompted for verification.

4. Submit a recovery request.

Apple will ask for as much information as possible to verify your identity. This process can take a few days, depending on what information you’ve provided and the security level of your account.

💡 Tip: Don’t try to restart the process if you’re waiting—it will reset your recovery timeline.

How to Speed Up Account Recovery

While Apple’s process is designed for security, there are ways to make it go faster:

• Keep any device signed into your Apple ID online—it may help Apple verify your identity.

• Respond quickly to any emails or calls from Apple’s recovery team.

• Don’t restart the process—stick with your recovery request to avoid starting over.

What to Do After Regaining Access

Once you’ve successfully reset your Apple ID password or recovered your account, take these steps immediately:

1. Update Your Password on All Devices

Sign back into all Apple services (iCloud, App Store, iMessage, FaceTime) using your new password.

2. Check Your Account Settings

• Go to appleid.apple.com.

• Review your trusted phone numbers, devices, and email addresses.

• Remove any outdated information.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (If Not Already On)

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection and makes future recovery easier.

Go to:

• Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Preventing Future Apple ID Issues

Use a Strong, Unique Password

Your Apple ID should have a complex password you don’t reuse on other accounts.

Keep Contact Info Up to Date

Always make sure your recovery email and phone number are current so you can receive verification codes.

Set a Recovery Contact

With iOS 15 or later, you can assign a Recovery Contact:

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Account Recovery

• Add a trusted friend or family member who can help recover your account if you’re locked out.

Use a Password Manager

Store your Apple ID credentials in a secure password manager to avoid future lockouts.

Final Thoughts

Losing access to your Apple ID doesn’t mean you’ve lost access to your Apple life. Whether you forgot your email, password, or no longer have access to your phone, Apple’s recovery tools are robust, user-friendly, and designed with security in mind.

By following the steps in this guide, you can regain access to your account and secure it for the future. Once you’re back in, don’t forget to take proactive steps to prevent future lockouts—because your Apple ID is far too important to lose.