Recover Apple ID — Forgot Password or Locked | SafeRestore
Locked out of your Apple ID, iCloud, App Store, or Apple Music account? This guide walks through every official Apple recovery method: password reset via iforgot.apple.com, trusted device reset, Account Recovery Key use, and Apple's identity-based account recovery process.
Apple ID Recovery Methods
Reset on your iPhone or iPad (fastest). Go to Settings → tap your name → Sign-In & Security → Change Password. Enter your device passcode. This works even without knowing your current password.
Use iforgot.apple.com from any browser. Enter your Apple ID email address, then verify your identity via trusted device, trusted phone number, or recovery email.
Use a trusted device. On Mac: System Settings → click your name → Sign-In & Security → Change Password. On iPhone/iPad: Settings → your name → Password & Security → Change Password.
Use your Account Recovery Key. If you set up an Account Recovery Key, enter it at iforgot.apple.com when prompted. This bypasses the normal trusted device flow.
Start account recovery (if no trusted devices or phone). At iforgot.apple.com, select "Can't use any of these options." Apple starts an identity-verification waiting period (typically 1–4 days). Apple may notify anyone with Trusted Access before releasing the account.
Contact Apple Support. appleid.apple.com/contact for direct support. In-store Genius Bar appointments can assist with identity verification for locked accounts.
If Your Apple ID Was Hacked
If someone changed your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com immediately. If a trusted phone number you control still appears on the account, Apple can send a verification code there. If not, start the account recovery process — Apple will verify your identity and lock out the hacker during the waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple ID Account Recovery waiting period?
When you start account recovery without a trusted device or phone, Apple typically imposes a 1–4 day waiting period for identity review. You will receive email updates at your Apple ID address. Do not cancel the recovery request during this period.
I forgot my Apple ID email address — how do I find it?
Search your email inboxes for "Apple receipt," "App Store," "iTunes Store," or "iCloud." Check Settings on any iPhone or iPad still signed in — the Apple ID email is shown at the top of Settings. Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273 can also help locate the email associated with a device's serial number.
Can I recover an Apple ID without a phone number?
Yes. iforgot.apple.com supports recovery via trusted devices, Account Recovery Key, and identity verification. A phone number is one option — if you don't have it, select "Can't use any of these options" to start the manual recovery process.