When was the last time you changed your Apple ID password?
Perhaps you're extremely on top of things and your Apple ID password is only a month old. But if you're using the same password you created when you got your first Apple device over a decade ago then you're going to want to read this article, follow the steps, and change your Apple ID password ASAP.
Changing your Apple ID password is a relatively straightforward process that you can do either directly on your device or remotely on the web. It's essential to change your Apple ID password if you suspect someone else knows it, if Apple ever announces a security breach, or if you suspect your Apple ID account has been compromised. It's also strongly recommended to do so regularly, as a way to be security conscious and to prevent your account from being used by anyone else. (We'd advise changing your passwords quarterly at the very minimum. As a reminder, be sure to get creative when choosing new passwords and consider using password managers for extra security.)
Now that you know the importance of regularly changing your Apple ID password, here's how to do it.
What is my Apple ID password?
First things first: Your Apple ID password and your Apple username are for your Apple ID account, the account you use across all Apple devices to access Apple services, such as the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and more. You would have created your Apple ID password when you first set up your Apple ID account, though you may have changed your Apple ID password since then.
What does my Apple ID password need to contain?
Before you change your Apple ID password, it's worth reviewing Apple's relatively strict rules for what an Apple ID password must contain. This is as follows:
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Your Apple ID password must contain at least eight characters, a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter.
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You can't use spaces, the same character three times in a row, your Apple ID, or a password you've used in the last year.
If you're struggling to come up with a secure password, you can always use a trusty password generator site to help you.
How to change your Apple ID password on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
If you're wondering how to change your Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, simply head to your Settings app. Once in Settings, tap on your name, which appears at the top of the screen, then tap on "Password & Security."
Tap "Change Password."
Enter your current Apple ID password or device passcode, then enter a new password and confirm the new password. Then tap "Change" or "Change Password."
If you can't remember your Apple ID password, have no fear. You can click the "Forgot Password?" prompt and complete the requirements needed to create a new Apple ID password.
Once you successfully change your Apple ID password you can start signing in with that new Apple ID password to access Apple features and services.
How to change your Apple ID password on the web
Once you've fired up your browser of choice, sign in to your Apple ID account page so you'll be able to manage your Apple account and change your password. (Apple also offers a "Forgot Apple ID or password?" option for those who may have forgotten one or both of their login credentials. Apple really knows us, and for that we are grateful.)
If you do remember your Apple ID and password, congratulations. You're halfway there. Sign into your Apple ID account page, make your way to the Security section, then click on "Change Password."
Here you can enter your current password, enter a new password, and confirm that new password. Then click "Change Password." When you change your password via web, Apple also gives you the ability to check a box that will sign your Apple ID out of any devices or websites that are using it. This is a smart step to take, especially if you believe that someone else knows or was actively using your old Apple ID password.
Once you complete the above steps you'll be able to sign in with your new Apple ID password to access Apple features and services.
Great job! That wasn't so hard, was it? Here's hoping this guide will inspire you to change your Apple ID password on the regular and teach and encourage others to do the same.
If you're feeling up to it, take the time to change some of your other old or repetitive passwords as well. There guides for how to change your Netflix password, how to change your Gmail password, and how to change your Instagram password can help you get started.
This story was originally published in March 2021 and updated in August 2021.
