Change your Apple ID password through Settings or your Apple account online

You can change your Apple ID password in two ways: through the Settings app on any Apple device, or by logging into your Apple ID account online. The Settings route is fastest if you're already on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The online route works from any computer or browser and gives you more control over your account security at once.

Both methods take about five minutes. You'll need to know your current password or have access to a recovery email or phone number linked to your account. After you change your password, you'll be signed out of some or all of your devices — you'll need to sign back in with the new password.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings (or System Settings), tap your name, then Password and Security, then Change Password.
  • Online, visit appleid.apple.com, sign in, go to Password and Security, and select Change Password.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase, lowercase, and a number.
  • After you change your password, you'll need to sign back into devices that were signed in with the old password.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign-in screen to reset it instead.

Change your password on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap Password and Security. Tap Change Password. Enter your current Apple ID password when prompted, then enter your new password twice to confirm it.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and include an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, and a number. Avoid using your name, Apple ID email, or sequences like "123456" or "abcdef". When you're done, tap Change or Confirm (the button name varies by iOS version).

Change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click your name in the sidebar (or at the top if you're on an older macOS version). Click Password and Security. Click Change Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice.

The password rules are the same as on iPhone: at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, and a number. Click Change Password when you're ready. You may be asked to enter your Mac login password to confirm the change.

Change your password online at appleid.apple.com

Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID email and current password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which Apple recommends), you'll receive a code on one of your trusted devices — enter it to continue.

Click Password and Security in the left sidebar. Click Change Password next to your password field. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change Password. You'll see a confirmation message, and you'll be signed out of the website.

What happens to your devices after you change your password

When you change your Apple ID password, you're automatically signed out of some devices. On iPhone and iPad, you stay signed in to most services but may need to re-enter your password for the App Store, iCloud, or iTunes. On Mac, you'll usually stay signed in to iCloud but may need to re-enter your password for the App Store.

On other devices — like Apple TV, Apple Watch, or a HomePod — you'll need to sign out and sign back in manually with your new password. Check each device's settings to see if it's still signed in. If a device shows an error about your password being wrong, sign out completely and sign back in with the new password.

If you forget your current password

Go to the Apple ID sign-in page and click Forgot password? You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID email. Apple will send a reset link to your recovery email address or offer to send a code to a trusted phone number. Follow the link or enter the code, then create a new password.

If you don't have access to your recovery email or phone number, you can answer security questions you set up when you created your account. If you can't answer those either, you may need to contact Apple Support to verify your identity before you can reset your password.

Make your new password secure

A strong Apple ID password is your first line of defense against someone accessing your photos, messages, payment methods, and other personal data. Use a password you don't use anywhere else. Avoid birthdays, names, or common words. A random mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is harder to guess than a pattern.

Consider using a password manager — apps like 1Password, Bitwarden, or the built-in password managers in Safari and Chrome can generate and store strong passwords for you. Turn on two-factor authentication in Password and Security if you haven't already; it adds a second step when someone tries to sign in from a new device, even if they have your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on each device separately?

No. Changing your password once through Settings or online changes it for your entire Apple ID. You only need to sign back in on devices that were signed in with the old password.

Will changing my password delete my data?

No. Your photos, messages, contacts, and other data stay in iCloud. Changing your password only affects how you sign in; it doesn't touch what's stored in your account.

How often should I change my Apple ID password?

Apple doesn't require you to change your password on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you haven't changed it in several years. Two-factor authentication protects your account even if your password is weak, so that's more important than frequent changes.

What if I'm locked out and can't sign in?

Use the Forgot password? link on any Apple sign-in screen. If you can't access your recovery email or phone, or if you're locked out for security reasons, contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity and help you regain access.

Can I use the same password for my Apple ID and my Mac login?

You can, but it's not recommended. Your Mac login password and your Apple ID password are separate. If someone gets one, they shouldn't automatically have the other. Use different passwords for better security.