How do I find a lost iPhone when the Apple ID password will not reset?
Answer
Use another Apple device already signed in to the same Apple ID to check Find My and mark the phone Lost. If the password will not reset, start Apple's official account recovery and do not use third-party unlock sites.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never share your Apple ID password, recovery key, or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Erasing a lost iPhone remotely removes the chance to locate it afterward, so use Lost Mode first when the device still appears in Find My.
Follow these steps
Check another signed-in Apple device
On an iPad or other iPhone still signed in to the same Apple ID, open Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll to the device list, and open the lost iPhone if it appears. From there use Find My options if offered, or open the Find My app.
You should see: The lost iPhone appears under your account devices, or you clearly see it is not listed.
Use Find My on the web if needed
On a computer, go to the official iCloud Find My page and sign in with the Apple ID if you can. If the phone shows online, play a sound or enable Lost Mode with a contact number.
You should see: You can see a location, play a sound, or enable Lost Mode, or you see the device is offline.
Recover the Apple ID password officially
If sign-in fails, use Apple's official iforgot.apple.com flow. Enter the Apple ID email and follow every trusted-phone or recovery-key prompt exactly. If reset is unavailable, start account recovery and wait for Apple's timeline.
You should see: You either set a new password or receive a clear account recovery wait estimate.
Avoid unofficial unlock offers
Ignore sites or callers that promise to bypass Activation Lock or reset the Apple ID for a fee. Keep the phone reported Lost and contact Apple Support through official channels if recovery stalls.
You should see: You stay on Apple's official recovery path without paying a third party.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether another Apple device still shows the lost iPhone in the device list, Find My status, and the exact message when password reset is attempted.
Before you change anything: Use only appleid.apple.com or iforgot.apple.com for password help. Do not erase the lost phone until you have tried Locate and Lost Mode if the device still appears. Never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with unexpected callers.