Why does a reset iPhone say the Apple ID password is not right?
Answer
A reset iPhone that rejects the Apple ID password is usually blocked by Activation Lock with the previous Apple ID, a mistyped password, or an Apple account already in recovery delay. Sign in at Apple’s account site first, recover the password there, and wait out any 24–72 hour security delay before trying the phone again.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Repeated failed recovery attempts can extend Apple’s waiting period.
- An iPhone locked to someone else’s Apple ID cannot be unlocked without that person’s credentials or proof-of-purchase process.
Follow these steps
Confirm the Apple ID shown on the iPhone
Read the email address on the Activation Lock or Apple ID screen carefully. Only continue if it is your account; if it belongs to a previous owner, contact them or the seller instead of guessing.
You should see: You know exactly which Apple ID must unlock the phone.
Reset or verify the password on Apple’s site
On a computer or another device, open Apple’s official account recovery page, enter that Apple ID, and reset or confirm the password using trusted phone, email, or recovery key options.
You should see: You can sign in to the Apple account on the web with the correct password.
Respect any recovery waiting period
If Apple says recovery will take a period such as many hours, do not keep restarting the process. Wait the full time, ideally using the same device and location.
You should see: Apple completes recovery and allows a new password or sign-in.
Return to the iPhone and sign in
Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi, enter the updated Apple ID and password on the lock or setup screen, and finish setup.
You should see: Activation Lock clears and the iPhone continues setup normally.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Activation Lock asking for the previous owner’s Apple ID, a Forgot password link, or a message that account recovery will take a number of hours.
Before you change anything: Confirm which Apple ID email the iPhone is asking for. Use a trusted computer or another phone for password recovery. Stop rapid repeated guesses if Apple shows a waiting period. Never share your Apple ID password or codes with unexpected callers.