To change your Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID) password, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password on your iPhone or iPad. If you are using a Mac, navigate to System Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security. For those who have forgotten their password entirely, visiting the official recovery site at iforgot.apple.com is the primary method to regain access.

Apple recently rebranded Apple ID to Apple Account. While the name has changed, the underlying security architecture remains the same. Keeping this password updated is the single most important step in protecting your iCloud data, App Store purchases, and iMessage history.

Understanding the Shift from Apple ID to Apple Account

In late 2024 and moving into 2025, Apple transitioned the term "Apple ID" to "Apple Account." This change is reflected across iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11. If you are looking for "Apple ID" settings on a newer device, you will find them under the "Apple Account" banner.

This rebranding aims to simplify the user experience, but the credentials—your email address and the password you have been using—remain identical. Whether you are updating it for routine security or because you suspect someone else has access, the process is streamlined to be as frictionless as possible.

How to Change Your Password on iPhone or iPad

The most common way to update your credentials is through an iOS or iPadOS device you already own and have secured with a passcode.

Step-by-Step Instructions for iOS 17 and iOS 18

  1. Open the Settings App: This is the grey gear icon on your home screen.
  2. Access Your Profile: Tap your name at the very top of the list. In our testing on the latest iOS 18 builds, this section is more prominently labeled as your Apple Account.
  3. Navigate to Sign-In & Security: Previously labeled "Password & Security" in older versions, this menu now houses all your primary authentication settings.
  4. Initiate Change: Tap Change Password.
  5. Identity Verification: You will be prompted to enter your device passcode. This is the 4 or 6-digit code (or alphanumeric password) you use to unlock your phone. This "trusted device" status allows you to bypass needing your old Apple Account password if you are already logged in.
  6. Enter New Credentials: Type in your new password and then verify it by typing it again.
  7. Finalize: Tap Change in the top right corner.

What Happens Next?

When you change your password on an iPhone, you will typically see a prompt asking if you want to "Sign Out Other Devices." In my experience, if you are changing the password because of a potential security leak, you should always choose to sign out other devices. This forces every other iPad, Mac, or Apple TV linked to your account to require the new password before they can sync iCloud data again.

Changing Apple Account Password on a Mac

If you spend most of your time on a MacBook or iMac, using System Settings is often faster than digging out your phone.

Detailed Steps for macOS Sequoia and Sonoma

  1. Apple Menu: Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. System Settings: Select this from the dropdown. (On older Macs, this was called System Preferences).
  3. Select Your Account: Click your name at the top of the sidebar.
  4. Sign-In & Security: Click this option in the right-hand pane.
  5. Change Password: Click the button next to the password field.
  6. Mac Password Prompt: You must enter the password you use to log into your Mac user account.
  7. Update: Enter the new Apple Account password and confirm it.

One nuance we observed during setup is that if you have FileVault enabled on your Mac, changing your Apple Account password may occasionally trigger a request to "Update Keychain Password." Do not be alarmed; this is simply macOS ensuring your local encrypted data stays in sync with your cloud credentials.

Changing Your Password via the Web

There are scenarios where you might not have your trusted Apple device handy—perhaps you are at work using a Windows PC or a public computer.

  1. Navigate to the official Apple Account website at account.apple.com.
  2. Sign in with your current email/phone number and password.
  3. Navigate to the Sign-In and Security section on the left sidebar.
  4. Select Password.
  5. You will be asked to enter your Current Password, followed by your New Password, and a confirmation.
  6. Click Change Password.

Note on Security: If you have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled—which is mandatory for most modern Apple features—the web method will still require you to enter a six-digit code sent to your iPhone or Mac. If you do not have access to any trusted device, you cannot use this specific "Change" method and must instead use the "Reset" flow.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Apple Account Password

Forgetting a password is a common headache. Fortunately, Apple provides several layers of recovery depending on how much "proof of ownership" you can provide.

Using the Apple Support App on a Borrowed Device

If your iPhone is locked and you cannot remember the password to get into the settings, you can use a friend's iPhone.

  1. Download the Apple Support app from the App Store on their device.
  2. Tap Tools at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Select Reset Password.
  4. Tap A different Apple Account.
  5. Enter your email address and follow the prompts. This is often faster than using a web browser because the app uses the hardware's built-in security modules to verify the request.

The iforgot.apple.com Method

This is the "Universal" recovery path.

  1. Go to iforgot.apple.com.
  2. Enter your Apple Account email.
  3. Confirm the phone number associated with the account.
  4. Apple will send a notification to all your trusted devices. If you have no devices, click "Can't access your Apple devices?"

Account Recovery: The Final Resort

If you don't have a trusted device or a trusted phone number, you enter Account Recovery. This is an automated process with a "waiting period." In our experience, this can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. Apple uses this time to verify that the person requesting the change isn't a hacker. You will receive a text or a phone call once the account is ready to be reset. Avoid using any devices signed into the account during this window, as it can sometimes reset the timer.

Managing Passwords for Children in Family Sharing

If you are the "Organizer" of an Apple Family Sharing group, you have the authority to change the passwords for child accounts (users under 13 or 16, depending on the region) without knowing their current one.

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Family.
  3. Select the Child's Name.
  4. Tap Apple Account & Password.
  5. Tap Change [Name]'s Password.
  6. Enter your own device passcode to authorize the change.
  7. Enter the new password for the child.

This is a vital tool for parents when a child forgets their iPad password or if you suspect their account has been used on an unauthorized school device.

Apple Password Requirements and Security Best Practices

Apple enforces strict rules to ensure your password isn't easily guessed by bots or malicious actors. Your new password must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 8 characters long.
  • Must include at least one uppercase letter.
  • Must include at least one lowercase letter.
  • Must include at least one number.
  • Cannot be a password you have used within the last year.

Pro-Tip: The Passphrase Advantage

While most people use a single word with numbers (e.g., "Butterfly123!"), security experts suggest using a passphrase. For example, "Blue-Mountain-Runs-Fast-99" is significantly harder for a computer to "brute force" but much easier for a human to remember.

Enhancing Security with Account Recovery Contacts

To avoid the dreaded 14-day Account Recovery wait time in the future, we highly recommend setting up a Recovery Contact. This is a trusted friend or family member who also uses an Apple device.

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security.
  2. Tap Account Recovery.
  3. Under "Recovery Assistance," tap Add Recovery Contact.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

If you ever get locked out, your contact will receive a short code. They give that code to you, and you can instantly reset your password. They do not gain access to your data; they only serve as a digital "key holder" for your identity.

Common Issues When Changing Your Password

"Verification Failed: There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

This is a frequent error that usually isn't about your password. It often happens if your Wi-Fi is unstable or if Apple's servers are undergoing maintenance. Try switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data and try again.

"Your password could not be changed for security reasons"

This typically happens if you are trying to change your password too many times in a short period or if you are on a "new" device that Apple doesn't recognize yet. Wait 24 hours and try the process again from a device you have owned for at least a month.

Requirement for Credit Card Verification

Sometimes, when changing highly sensitive security settings, Apple may ask you to confirm the CVV of a credit card on file. This is a secondary layer of authentication to ensure the person holding the phone is actually the account owner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will changing my Apple Account password delete my iCloud photos?

No. Your data, photos, and messages are stored independently of your password. Once you log back in with your new credentials, everything will sync exactly as it was.

Does changing my password log me out of Netflix or other apps?

Changing your Apple Account password only affects Apple-branded services (iCloud, App Store, iMessage, FaceTime, Music). It will not affect third-party apps like Netflix, Spotify, or your bank app unless you use "Sign in with Apple" for those services.

How often should I change my password?

Apple does not force periodic password changes. However, it is a good habit to change it if you have been using the same password for over two years or if you hear about a major data breach on a different website where you might have used a similar password.

Can I change my password on an Apple Watch?

While you can see some security settings on an Apple Watch, the actual password change process must be initiated on an iPhone, Mac, or via a web browser for security verification purposes.

What if I don't have a phone number anymore?

If you changed your phone number and didn't update it in your Apple settings, you will likely need to go through the Account Recovery process at iforgot.apple.com to verify your identity via email or other secondary methods.

Summary

Changing your Apple Account password is a straightforward process when you have access to a trusted device. Whether you are navigating the new menus in iOS 18 or using the traditional web-based tools, the key is to ensure your new password is both complex and memorable. By setting up Recovery Contacts and keeping your trusted phone number up to date, you can ensure that even if you forget your password, you won't lose access to your digital life. Remember to update your password on all your devices—including your Apple TV and Apple Watch—once the change is complete to keep your services running smoothly.