Change your iCloud password through Settings on any device, or through the Apple ID website if you don't have access to your devices

The fastest way to change your iCloud password depends on what you have in front of you. If you're on an iPhone or Mac, you can do it in Settings in under a minute. If you're locked out of your devices or prefer to change it from a computer, you can use the Apple ID website instead. Either way, you'll need to verify your identity first — Apple will ask for a code sent to a trusted device or phone number.

Your iCloud password is the same as your Apple ID password. Changing one changes the other across all your devices and services, including email, iCloud Drive, Photos, and the App Store. You'll be signed out of some services while the change takes effect, which usually happens within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password and follow the prompts.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password and enter your current password when asked.
  • If you don't have a device handy, visit appleid.apple.com, sign in, select Password & Security, and choose Change Password.
  • Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number — you must enter it to confirm the change.
  • After you change your password, you may need to sign back in to some apps and services on your devices.

Change your password on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen. Then tap Password & Security. You'll see a Change Password option — tap it.

Enter your current iCloud password when prompted. Apple will then send a verification code to a trusted device (like another iPhone or Mac you own) or to a phone number on file. If you have a trusted device nearby, you'll see a prompt asking to allow the change — tap Allow. If you're using a code instead, enter the six-digit number that arrives by text or on your trusted device.

Create your new password. Apple requires at least eight characters, and it should include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for security. Type it twice to confirm. Tap Change or Confirm, and you're done. You may be signed out of some apps temporarily while the system updates.

Change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click your name in the sidebar, then click Password & Security.

Click the Change Password button. You'll be asked to enter your current password — this is the password you use to unlock your Mac, which is the same as your Apple ID password. Type it in and press Return or click Next.

Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device or phone number. If you have another Apple device nearby, you'll see a notification asking to allow the change — approve it there. Otherwise, enter the code that arrives by text. Then create your new password (at least eight characters, with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols), type it again to confirm, and click Change Password.

Change your password on the Apple ID website

Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser and sign in with your Apple ID and current password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which Apple recommends), you'll need to enter a verification code sent to a trusted device or phone number.

Once you're signed in, click Password & Security on the left side of the page. Click Change Password next to the password field. Enter your current password again, then create your new password. Make sure it's at least eight characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.

Type your new password a second time to confirm it, then click Change Password. You'll see a confirmation message. If you're signed in on multiple devices, you may need to sign back in to some of them, or you may see a prompt on those devices asking to allow the change.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect immediately on the device where you changed it. On other devices, you may stay signed in for a while, but you'll eventually be asked to sign in again with your new password. This usually happens within a few hours.

Some apps — particularly email clients, calendar apps, and older third-party apps — may ask for your password again right away. If an app says your password is wrong, sign out and sign back in with your new password. If you use iCloud Keychain to store passwords, it will update automatically, so you won't have to type your new password into Safari or other apps that use it.

If you have family members who share an Apple ID with you (which is not recommended but does happen), they will also be signed out and will need to sign back in. It's better to set up Family Sharing instead, which lets each person keep their own Apple ID.

If you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, you can reset it at appleid.apple.com by clicking Forgot Apple ID or password on the sign-in screen. Apple will ask you to verify your identity using a trusted device, a recovery key, or answers to security questions you set up earlier. This process can take a few minutes to an hour depending on which verification method you use.

If you're locked out of all your devices and don't remember your password, you may need to use your recovery key (a code Apple gives you when you set up two-factor authentication) or contact Apple Support. Keep your recovery key somewhere safe — in a password manager or written down in a secure place — so you have it if you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on every device?

No. Change it once in Settings, on your Mac, or on the Apple ID website, and it updates everywhere. You may need to sign back in on some devices or apps, but you only perform the change once.

What if I don't have a trusted device to receive the verification code?

You can use a phone number on file instead. When you're asked to verify, choose the option to receive a code by text message. If you don't have access to any trusted device or phone number, use the Apple ID website and answer your security questions instead.

Will changing my password delete my iCloud data?

No. Your photos, documents, email, and other iCloud data stay exactly where they are. Changing your password only affects how you sign in — it doesn't touch your stored information.

Can I change my password if I'm locked out of my Apple ID?

If you're locked out because you forgot your password, you can reset it at appleid.apple.com. If your account is locked for security reasons, you'll need to verify your identity first, which may take a few hours. Apple Support can help if you're stuck.

Do I need to change my App Store password separately?

No. Your App Store password is the same as your Apple ID password. When you change one, the other changes automatically.