How do I sign in after an iPhone update if I forgot my Apple ID password?
Answer
Use the Apple ID email, phone number, or alternate email tied to the account, then start Apple’s official password reset or account recovery from the sign-in screen or iforgot.apple.com. Wait a few minutes after resetting before trying the new password again.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Stop if a site or popup asks you to pay to unlock an Apple ID or install unknown software.
- Erasing the iPhone without the Apple ID password can leave Activation Lock in place and may make the device unusable until the account is recovered.
Follow these steps
Try known Apple ID identifiers
On the sign-in screen, enter the Apple ID email you normally use, or any phone number or alternate email tied to that Apple account.
You should see: Apple accepts the identifier and shows a password field or recovery options.
Start Apple’s password reset
Choose Forgot password (or open iforgot.apple.com in a trusted browser) and follow Apple’s verification steps using a trusted phone number, device, or email—not third-party links.
You should see: Apple lets you create a new password or places the account into recovery with a clear status.
Wait, then sign in with the new password
After a successful reset, wait a few minutes, then enter the new password on the iPhone. If it still fails, note the exact message shown.
You should see: The iPhone accepts the new password, or you have a specific error to report to Apple Support.
Complete any two-factor prompts
If Apple asks for a verification code, use a trusted device or the phone number on the account. Do not give the code to anyone who called or texted you first.
You should see: Two-factor verification completes and the iPhone finishes post-update sign-in.
Contact Apple if recovery is delayed
If account recovery shows a wait time or the new password never works, use Apple’s official Support site or the Get Support app path for Apple ID help and provide the exact on-screen message.
You should see: Apple confirms recovery status or next steps without requiring you to share the password with anyone else.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Apple ID sign-in screen after update, and Forgot password or account recovery options
Before you change anything: Confirm which email or phone number is your Apple ID before resetting. Use only Apple’s official reset pages or the on-device Forgot password flow. Do not erase the iPhone unless you accept data loss and understand Activation Lock. Never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with unexpected callers.