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How To Recover a Lost Apple or Google Account Password
Forgetting your credentials doesn't necessarily have to lock you out
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Somehow, the Apple ID password I have is no longer working and I can’t access various services. Do you have any suggestions on what to do next? Please help.
I know the frustration of my Apple account password no longer being recognized. The same thing happening with a Google account is equally a bummer.
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Being blocked may mean you won’t be able to access email, media and other services. As big a hassle as this is, you also might wonder if your account has been compromised.
The good news is that both Apple and Google have account-recovery procedures to assist people in a similar pickle, though the recovery process will take longer for some folks than others. Let’s take these one by one.
A few ways to reset an Apple account password
If you forget your Apple ID or Apple account password under normal circumstances — Apple is phasing out the Apple ID name — you can reset it on your iPhone, Mac or other Apple device you’re using. But you must be signed in already.
This helps Apple ensure that the device is yours.
On a Mac, start by clicking the Apple menu at the upper left corner of the screen, then System Settings… | [Your name] | Sign-in & Security | Change Password.
If the device is an iPhone, start by tapping ⚙️ Settings | [Your name] | Sign-In & Security | Change Password.
For extra security on an iPhone, if you previously enabled a tool known as Stolen Device Protection, you may have to wait an hour before you can use Face ID facial recognition to reset your password. You’ll have to enter the current device passcode, and then the new password twice, making sure the entries in each field match. Tap Change in the upper right corner of the screen and after being prompted, choose what happens to other devices using your Apple Account.
If you don’t have what Apple calls a “trusted device,” you may be able to change your password from a friend’s Apple device or in an Apple Store. Open the Apple Support app on this device, which a friend may have to download from Apple’s App Store if they don’t already have it.
Under Support Tools, tap Reset Password | Help Someone Else. Then enter the email address or phone number of the account you want to reset. Cross your fingers that Apple has it on file.
In a nod to privacy Apple says resetting your password on someone else’s device will not result in any of your personal information getting saved on that device.
Recovering an Apple account is a longer process
If you can’t reset your password because you’re not already logged into a device and lack the credentials to do so, you’ll have to attempt to recover your account through a more time-consuming process. Apple says you might not be able to use your account for several days or even longer.
This account-recovery procedure should be done only as a last resort, so try entering different email addresses and phone numbers in any attempt to get in. If you provided that email address or phone number long ago, perhaps you’ll have a flash of recognition.
If this fails, go either to ⚙️ Settings or System Settings… on your device or head to the Apple Support app if already downloaded to your phone. Turn off any devices that may be signed in with your Apple account, unlikely though that may be.
You also can visit iforgot.apple.com on the web to begin the account-recovery process. In those places, you’ll see a Reset Password or Forgot Password button to press.
If you start the process, Apple says to expect an email within 72 hours outlining the status of your case and the date and time you can expect the account to be restored.
Of course, if you receive such an email and did not initiate an account-recovery request or don’t recognize any of the information in the email — it may show the location where the request was made, the device used to make the request and a contact phone number — immediately cancel the request, Apple says.
In some instances, you can shorten the waiting period to have your account restored by verifying a six-digit code sent to your primary email address. This method is called two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication.
Supplying your credit card details also can shorten your wait time. Apple will contact the card issuer to confirm you are who you say you are. You can’t use Apple Pay for verification purposes.
However you started the account recovery process, Apple emphasizes turning off any devices signed in with your Apple account, at least until the process has been completed.
If you remember, revising a Google account password is easy
If you know your credentials, you can change your Google Account password by visiting myaccount.google.com and clicking Security in the left rail and Password under How you sign into Google. Or access the same process by clicking on the My password button on the very first page.
You may be asked to sign in even if you already are, Google says. Enter your new password in two different boxes and then hit the Change Password button.
Periodically changing your password is a good idea. You’ll definitely want to do so if you suspect your account has been hacked.
Google will give you many ways to verify your identity
If you forget your password and can’t access Gmail, Google Photos, the Google Play Store or YouTube, go to Google’s Account recovery page, which will come up in an internet search. Assuming you remember the proper email address but forgot the password for the account, enter it on this page, followed by Next.
At the Account Recovery page, you can use a fingerprint, facial recognition or a screen lock to unlock the account, or a passkey if you set that up. The device you’re using may ask you to scan a QR code before you can use the screen lock, Google says.
Press Continue if any of these methods are recognized or Try another way if not.
Google will send codes to other devices, email addresses or phone numbers on file. You may have to select Try another way repeatedly if the first method or methods don’t resolve the problem.
Google may ask a series of questions to verify your identity. With any luck, when you created your Google Account, you supplied a recovery phone number and email address.
You won’t be penalized or kicked out of the account-recovery process for supplying wrong answers.
If possible, Google recommends using a computer, phone or tablet that you typically employ and to initiate the account recovery from your home, office or some other familiar location. You should use the same browser you typically use as well.
Meanwhile, if you can’t remember the last password you used but remember a previous one, that may also help Google verify you. Take your best guess if you can’t remember prior passwords.
Bonus tip: Don’t use account-recovery services
Google warns people to avoid using third-party account or password recovery services. The company does not work with them.
Also avoid giving out passcodes or verification codes. They could be a prelude to a scam. Google maintains that it never asks for such codes via email, text or phone call.
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