Change your iCloud password through Settings on iPhone or iPad

The fastest way to change your iCloud password is through the Settings app on any iPhone or iPad connected to your account. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then select Password & Security. Tap Change Password, enter your current password when prompted, then type your new password twice. Your new password takes effect immediately across all your devices.

Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. iCloud will reject passwords that are too simple or that you have used recently. If you forget what you just entered, you can tap the eye icon to show or hide the password as you type.

Change your iCloud password on a Mac

On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your name in the sidebar, then select Password & Security. Click Change Password, enter your current password, then type your new password twice and click Change. Like on iPhone, the change applies to all your devices within a few minutes.

If you use an older Mac running macOS Monterey or earlier, the path is slightly different: click System Preferences, then Apple ID, then Security. The process is otherwise the same.

Change your iCloud password on iCloud.com

You can also change your password from any web browser by visiting iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and password, click your name or profile picture in the top right corner, then select Account Settings. Click Password & Security on the left side, then click Change Password. Enter your current password and your new password twice, then click Change Password.

This method works from any computer or phone, even if it is not an Apple device. You will be signed out of iCloud.com after you change your password, and you will need to sign back in with your new password.

What happens to your devices after you change your password

When you change your iCloud password, you stay signed in on all your devices — you do not have to re-enter it everywhere. However, some apps that use iCloud (like Mail, Contacts, or Calendar) may ask you to sign in again within a few hours. This is normal and happens as those apps refresh their connection to iCloud.

If you have an Apple Watch or HomePod, those devices may also prompt you to enter your new password. Follow the on-screen instructions to update them. Until you do, they will not be able to sync with iCloud.

Change your password if you think someone else knows it

If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password immediately using one of the methods above. After you change it, go to Account Settings on iCloud.com and scroll down to Devices. Review the list of devices signed into your account. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select Remove from Account.

You should also check your account recovery options: go to Password & Security and make sure your recovery email address and phone number are correct. These are what Apple uses to help you regain access if you forget your password later.

What to do if you cannot sign in to change your password

If you have forgotten your current password and cannot sign in to change it, you will need to use your recovery email or phone number to reset it. On the iCloud sign-in page, click Forgot Apple ID or password, then follow the prompts. Apple will send a code to your recovery email or phone, and you can use that code to create a new password.

If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, you can answer your security questions instead. If you cannot answer those either, contact Apple Support through their website — they can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • The quickest way to change your iCloud password is through Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — it takes about one minute.
  • Your new password must be at least eight characters and include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • You stay signed in on all your devices after you change your password, though some apps may ask you to sign in again within a few hours.
  • If you forget your current password, use your recovery email or phone number to reset it through the iCloud sign-in page.
  • After changing your password, review your list of signed-in devices on iCloud.com and remove any you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my iCloud password sign me out of everything?

No. You will stay signed in on all your devices. Some apps like Mail or Calendar may ask you to sign in again within a few hours as they refresh their connection, but this is automatic and you do not need to do anything.

Can I change my iCloud password from a Windows computer?

Yes. Go to iCloud.com in any web browser, sign in, click your name in the top right, select Account Settings, then click Password & Security. The process is the same as on a Mac.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Go to the iCloud sign-in page and click Forgot Apple ID or password. Apple will send a reset code to your recovery email or phone number. If you do not have access to those, you can answer your security questions instead.

Do I need to update my password on my Apple Watch after I change it?

Your Apple Watch will prompt you to enter your new password within a few hours. You do not need to do anything right away, but you should update it when prompted so your Watch can sync with iCloud.