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On a trusted iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password, then follow the prompts. Apple now calls this an Apple Account; “Apple ID” is the familiar older name, and you continue using the same email address or phone number and password. Apple describes a trusted device as one already signed in to your account with two-factor authentication. Apple says using an iPhone or another trusted device is the easiest and most secure way to change the password.
Change your password in iPhone Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Tap Sign-In & Security.
- Tap Change Password.
- Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted, then follow the onscreen instructions to choose a new password.
- If you are offered a choice about other devices, choose whether to keep them signed in or remove them. Removing them means you will need to sign in again on those devices.
Menu wording can vary with iOS updates. If your screen differs, follow the labels shown on your iPhone or consult Apple’s password-change instructions.
If you forgot your current password
You can reset a forgotten password from a trusted iPhone using the same Settings path: Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password. Enter the iPhone passcode when requested and follow the reset steps. This is a reset, rather than a change that starts by confirming a password you already know. Apple’s reset instructions cover the trusted-device steps.
If you cannot use your own trusted device
Apple also documents resetting the password with a borrowed Apple device through the Apple Support app or using the web reset flow. If neither route can verify you, you may need account recovery. Apple recommends using a trusted device if one will be available soon, since the web route may take longer. See Apple’s password-reset options.
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#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Why your iPhone may make you wait
A one-hour delay may be required before changing a password or another critical account setting. Apple’s iPhone security guidance explains that Stolen Device Protection can add this delay when the phone is away from familiar places such as home or work. Follow the instructions and timing displayed on your iPhone; the delay is a security safeguard, not an error, and there is no guaranteed bypass. Apple’s Stolen Device Protection guidance explains the feature.
If you think someone else has access to your account
Change the password to a strong, unique one, then review the account information and devices associated with it. Remove devices you do not recognize and check that you still control the listed email addresses and phone numbers. Apple advises users not to share passwords, verification codes, or other account security details. Follow Apple’s account-security recommendations.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
When you need account recovery
If the available reset methods cannot verify your identity, account recovery may take several days or longer, depending on the information available. Apple says contacting Support cannot shorten the waiting period. If you previously configured a recovery contact, that person can provide a code to help you reset the password; they do not gain access to your account. Details are in Apple’s account recovery guidance and its recovery-contact instructions.
Recovery keys are optional and carry a responsibility
A recovery key is a separate, optional method—not a requirement for a routine password change. Apple describes it as a 28-character code. Turning on a recovery key disables Apple’s standard account recovery process, so you must keep the key somewhere safe; losing it can mean permanently losing access to the account. See Apple’s recovery-key guidance before enabling one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #4
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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