How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password

If you use two-factor authentication and can’t sign in or reset your password, you can regain access after an account recovery waiting period.

What is account recovery?

Account recovery is a process designed to get you back into your Apple Account when you don’t have enough information to reset your password. For security reasons, it might take several days or longer before you can use your account again. We know this delay is inconvenient, but it’s important so that we can keep your account and information safe.

Before you start the account recovery waiting period, try to reset your password on a trusted device.

Only use account recovery as a last resort when you can’t sign in or reset your Apple Account password any other way.

• If you don’t know which email address or phone number you use with Apple Account, try different email addresses or phone numbers. You can sign in and reset your password with any email addresses or phone numbers that are on file in your Apple Account.

• If you don’t have a trusted device, you can reset your password using the Apple Support app on a family member’s iPhone or iPad. You can also visit an Apple Store and ask to use a device on site.

• If you set up an account recovery contact, they can also help you reset your password.

Start account recovery

The quickest and easiest way to start account recovery is directly on your device. In Settings or System Settings, try to sign in on your device. If you don’t know your password and can’t verify your account information, you'll receive the option to start the account recovery process.

You can also start account recovery from iforgot.apple.com through your device’s browser.

• If you’ve started your account recovery in Settings, System Settings or the Apple Support app, you can continue to use that specific device during the account recovery period.

• Regardless of how you started the account recovery request, you should turn off all other devices that are currently signed in with your Apple Account until the account recovery process has been completed. If your Apple Account is in use during your request, your account recovery will be cancelled automatically.

• If you started your account recovery request with iforgot.apple.com through your device’s browser, you should avoid using that device during this period. If possible, turn off that device. Using that device may cancel account recovery.

After starting account recovery

After you’ve requested an account recovery, you’ll receive an email with confirmation of your request and the date and time of when you can expect to regain access. This email will arrive within 72 hours.

It may be several days or more before you can reset your password. Contacting Apple Support can’t help you shorten this time.

After the waiting period has ended, Apple will send you a text or automated phone call with instructions to regain access to your account. If you don’t receive the text or call, once the period specified in the original email is over, you can still go directly to apple.com/recover. Follow the instructions to regain access to your Apple Account.

Check the status of your request

At any time, you can see how long it will be until your account is ready for recovery, or when more information will be available. Just go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple Account email address or phone number.

Cancel your request

• If you remember your information and can sign in successfully, your waiting period will be cancelled automatically and you can use your Apple Account immediately.

• To cancel a recovery request that you did not make, follow the instructions in your email confirmation.