How to Use Account Recovery on iOS 15

This article explains Apple's Account Recovery feature and how to set it up and use it. Instructions apply to iOS 15.

How to Set Up Account Recovery on iOS

If you get locked out of your iOS account (aka your Apple ID), you can get back in if you have set up Account Recovery. You need to do this before you get locked out, though.

1. Tap Settings.

2. At the top of the main Settings screen, tap your name.

3. Tap Password & Security.

4. Select Account Recovery.

5. Tap Add Recovery Contact.

6. On the explanation screen, tap Add Recovery Contact.

7. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.

8. Enter your Apple ID password.

9. Tap one of your contacts to select that person as a recovery contact.

   If you are in a Family Sharing group and select a family member, they are added automatically.

10. An email screen opens with the selected contact's email address entered in the To field. In the upper-right corner, tap Add.

11. A screen opens with a suggested message notifying the contact you want to add as your recovery contact. If the suggested message is acceptable, tap Send.

    If you prefer to edit the message first, tap Edit Message.

12. The next screen notifies you that the message has been sent to your contact and that the contact must accept your request before being added as your recovery contact. Tap Done.

13. Go back to the Account Recovery screen. You should see the person you invited listed in the Recovery Assistance section. If the person has not yet responded, the entry says "Request Sent." After they accept, or if the person is part of your family group, only their name appears.

How to Use Account Recovery

If you are locked out of your account, you are asked to verify some information. Then, you reach out to your recovery contact via phone or in person. At that point, do this:

1. Instruct your recovery contact to go to Settings on their iOS device and tap their name at the top of the screen.

2. Tell your recovery contact to tap Password & Security > Account Recovery.

3. Instruct your recovery contact to tap your name in the Account Recovery screen and then select Get Recovery Code.

4. Ask your recovery contact for the code. Input it into your device and then reset the password.

Requirements to Become a Recovery Contact

Anyone who serves as a recovery contact must meet the following requirements:

• Over age 13.
• Use a device running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or Monterey or later.
• Use a passcode on the device.
• Have two-factor authentication turned on for their Apple ID.

How to Remove a Recovery Contact

You can remove Recovery Contacts after adding them.

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap your name at the top of the menu.

3. Select Password & Security > Account Recovery.

4. In the Recovery Assistance section, tap the arrow next to the name of your recovery contact.

5. Select Remove Contact.

How Can I Recover My Apple ID Without a Verification Code?

If you didn't set up Account Recovery and find yourself locked out of your Apple ID, you have options. They're not quick as with Account Recovery, but they'll get the job done. Learn how to reset your Apple ID password.