Open Settings on Your Device and Navigate to Your Account
To change your iTunes password, start on the device where you use iTunes or the Apple Music app. On an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen. On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click your name in the sidebar. On a Windows PC, open iTunes, click Account in the menu bar, then select Sign In.
Once you are in your account settings, look for a section labeled Password & Security or Password & Account Security. This is where Apple stores your password controls. The exact wording and location varies slightly between devices, but it is always in your account settings, not in the app itself.
Key Takeaways
- Your iTunes password is the same as your Apple ID password, so changing one changes both across all Apple services.
- You must have access to a trusted device or recovery email address to change your password; Apple will not let you change it from an untrusted device without verification.
- The process takes about five minutes and requires you to enter your current password before you can set a new one.
- After you change your password, you will be signed out of iTunes on all devices and must sign back in with the new password.
Enter Your Current Password and Choose a New One
When you reach the Password & Security section, select Change Password. Apple will ask you to enter your current password first. This is a security step — it confirms that you are the account owner and not someone else who has access to your device.
After you enter your current password, you will see a field for your new password. Apple requires passwords to be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like !, @, #, or $). Type your new password twice to confirm you entered it correctly. If the two entries do not match, you will have to start over.
Verify Your Identity if You Are on an Untrusted Device
If you are trying to change your password on a device Apple does not recognize as one you normally use, the system will ask you to verify your identity. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from changing your password if they gain temporary access to your device.
Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device you have already registered (like another iPhone or Mac) or to your recovery email address. Enter that code into the prompt on your current device. Once the code is accepted, you can proceed with changing your password. If you do not have access to a trusted device or recovery email, you will need to use Apple's account recovery process, which takes longer.
Sign Back Into iTunes After the Password Change
Once you have successfully changed your password, Apple will sign you out of iTunes and the Apple Music app on all your devices for security reasons. This happens automatically and can take a few minutes to take effect across all devices.
On each device, you will see a prompt asking you to sign in again. Enter your Apple ID (your email address) and your new password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on — which Apple recommends — you will also need to enter a verification code sent to one of your trusted devices. After you sign in on each device, iTunes will work normally again.
Update Your Password on Devices You Do Not Use Regularly
If you have iTunes installed on a computer or device you do not use often, you may not see the sign-in prompt right away. The next time you open iTunes or try to download music, make a purchase, or access your library on that device, you will be asked to sign in with your new password.
If a device is no longer in use, you can remove it from your account instead of signing in again. Go to your account settings, find the section for devices or trusted devices, and remove the device from the list. This prevents old devices from trying to connect to your account and keeps your account more secure.
What to Do If You Forget Your New Password
If you forget your new password shortly after changing it, you can reset it through Apple's account recovery page at iforgot.apple.com. You will need to enter your Apple ID email address and answer security questions or use a recovery email address to verify your identity.
The recovery process usually takes a few minutes, but if you cannot answer your security questions and do not have access to your recovery email, it can take longer. To avoid this, write down your new password in a secure location or use a password manager to store it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my iTunes password affect my other Apple services?
Yes. Your iTunes password is your Apple ID password, which controls access to iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, and all other Apple services. Changing one changes all of them. You will be signed out everywhere and must sign back in with your new password.
Can I change my password from a web browser instead of my device?
Yes. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID and password, and select Password & Account Security. The process is the same as on your device. You may find it easier on a computer if you have trouble navigating the settings on your phone.
What if I do not remember my current password?
You cannot change your password without entering your current one. Go to iforgot.apple.com and select Reset Password instead. You will verify your identity using security questions or a recovery email, and Apple will let you set a new password without needing the old one.
How long does it take for the password change to work on all my devices?
The sign-out usually happens within a few minutes, but it can take up to an hour on older devices or devices with poor internet connection. If a device does not prompt you to sign in after an hour, restart it or manually sign out and sign back in.