How to Unlock when I Forgot my Apple ID Password and Email?

Part 1: What Happens if I Forget Apple ID Password and Email

Before diving into how to retrieve App ID, let’s review what it is and its importance. The Apple ID is the official mail for your Apple account, which is essential for using Apple devices. Without an Apple ID, you won’t be able to access most of the core services needed for the device to work. These services include App Store, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, etc.

Situations Where You Can Forget Apple ID Email & Password

• Infrequent Usage:If you haven’t used your Apple ID for a while, you can easily forget the email and password associated with the Apple ID. It is the most common reason people forget their Apple ID email or password.
• Too Many Emails:Do you use multiple email accounts for different services, including your Apple account? It can also lead you to easily forget which email account is linked with your Apple ID.
• Shared Account:In the case of a shared Apple account, it is possible that the other person changed the Apple ID email or password without your knowledge. You will get the wrong email or password when using the Apple ID if you don’t know the actual password.
• Hacking:It is also possible that your Apple account was hacked and the hacker changed its email or password. You won’t be able to use your Apple ID in this scenario.

Part 2: How To Retrieve Apple ID Password by Two-Factor Authentication

Apple, known for its secure devices, employs the latest security protocols to ensure device security. Most of Apple’s current devices use two-factor authentication to protect user privacy and identity. A key requirement of 2FA is having at least one trusted device associated with your Apple ID along with your primary device. This part contains the process for retrieving the Apple ID password via 2FA for both iOS and macOS devices.

Best For: When users forget their Apple ID password but have access to at least one trusted device.

Supported Devices: iOS 9, iPadOS 13, OS X 10.11, or later.

iOS Two-Factor Authentication

Step 1: On your iPhone, launch “Settings” and tap the “Apple ID” profile icon. On the next screen, locate and choose the “Password & Security” option.

Step 2: Afterward, select “Change Password” it will result in a prompt of your Apple ID being logged in. Tap “Allow” to receive the verification code and enter it to proceed.

Step 3: It will lead to the “Change Password” screen, where you need to tap “Forgotten Password.” Next, you will be asked to provide the number associated with your Apple ID.

Step 4: After entering the number, press “Next,” and it will send a “Reset Password” prompt on a device associated with your Apple ID. Move to the respective device and tap “Allow.”

Step 5: Now, you will be asked to provide the passcode of the respective device. Once you have entered it, a “New Apple ID Password” screen will open. Here set up the new password for your Apple ID.

macOS Two-Factor Authentication

Step 1: Launch the "System Settings" on your Mac and click the "Apple ID" from the left sidebar. Here, access the "Password & Security" option and select "Change Password."

Step 2: It will ask you to add the password of your Mac as confirmation. Now, input the MacBook password, and the “Change Password” window will open through which you can change the password of your Apple ID.

Part 3: How To Retrieve Apple ID Password by Two-Step Verification

If you use an iPhone with iOS older than iOS 9, you cannot use two-factor authentication. Instead, it is the two-step verification that is enabled for these devices. When two-step verification is enabled, you need a recovery key and a trusted device to retrieve your Apple ID password. You receive the recovery key when you first enable 2SV on your device.

Best For: When you have forgotten your Apple ID password and use a device with a system version older than iOS 9, iPadOS 13, and OS X 10.11.

Steps To Retrieve Apple ID Password by Two-Step Verification

Step 1: Visit Apple’s iforgot website and enter your Apple ID. Now, answer the CAPTCHA below and click “Continue.” Afterward, choose the reset your password option and hit “Continue.”

Step 2: Here, type your recovery key and tap “Continue.” Next, you will be asked to choose a trusted device to receive a verification code. Select the device and enter the received code.

Step 3: Once the verification has been done, it will ask you to choose a new password. After choosing the password, click “Reset Password” to complete the process.

Part 4: Get Your Apple ID Password Back Through Security Questions or Email

In case you don't have a trusted device linked with your Apple ID, you can use the email or security question to reset the password. You need access to the email address associated with your Apple ID to reset your Apple ID with email. Another option is to use the security question if you have added one and remember the answer.

Best For: When you forget the Apple ID password, but there is no trusted device.

Steps To Get Your Apple ID Password Back Through Security Questions or Email

Step 1: Use your computer’s browser to access the iforgot website. Here, enter your Apple ID email and CAPTCHA and click “Continue” to proceed further.

Step 2: Now choose the option to reset your password and tap “Continue.” Select “How to reset your password” on the next screen and choose “Get an email” or “Answer security questions.” Afterward, follow the instructions by Apple to reset your Apple ID password.

Part 5: Your Best Choice: Retrieve Apple ID Password Back via a Powerful Third-Party App

While the methods mentioned above are great for recovering Apple ID passwords, they all have key pre-conditions. Some require trusted devices, while others need to remember recovery keys or have access to the email account. That raises the question of how to reset your iCloud email password if you don’t have any of these things. The best way is to use Wondershare Dr.Fone, the solution to all smartphone problems.

It has a powerful unlock tool to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone. After that, you can use your device with a new Apple ID whose password you can keep safe. With the new ID, you will be able to use all the services on the iPhone without any worries.

Key Features of Dr.Fone Mobile Toolbox

• Fone can unlock all types of iPhone screen locks, including passcode, Touch ID, Face ID, etc.
• This tool can remove or bypass the iCloud activation lock to access App Store and iTunes Store.
• It also allows you to remove or bypass MDM on your iPhone and iPad without losing data.
• With this tool, you can also remove iTunes backup encryption if you have forgotten the encryption password.

Steps To Retrieve Apple ID Password Back via Dr.Fone

With Dr.Fone, the process of unlocking your Apple ID also becomes easier. You only need a computer with Dr.Fone installed and a cable to connect your iPhone. Here is how you can unlock your Apple ID using Dr.Fone:

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone and Select Screen Unlock

Once you have installed the Dr.Fone app on your system, launch it and select “Screen Unlock.” Here, click “Remove Apple ID” and connect your iPhone to your computer.

Step 2: Activate the Recovery Mode on Your iPhone

After connecting your iPhone, unlock it and tap “Trust” in the “Trust this Computer” prompt. Next, you need to press the “Unlock Now” button and put your iPhone into Recovery Mode using the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Complete the Apple ID Unlock Process

The unlocking process will start once your iPhone has entered the Recovery Mode and restarted. It will take some time to unlock the Apple ID. When the process is complete, check if the Apple ID has been removed. If yes, press “Done”; otherwise, click “Try Again.”

Note: Your iPhone’s iOS should be lower than iOS 14.2 for this process. Moreover, two-factor authentication also needs to be enabled. Besides, it will also clear your iPhone data, so you should create a backup before trying this method.

safe & secure

Conclusion

To summarize the key points, it is clear that while forgetting Apple ID credentials is unfortunate, it isn’t the end of the world. There are multiple great and easy answers to how to retrieve Apple ID. Even if you have nothing, a tool like Dr.Fone allows you to unlock your Apple ID without any complex process. Having this tool ensures that your device is in safe hands.