Set Up a Recovery Contact for Your Apple Account

If you lose access to your Apple Account due to a forgotten password or device passcode, getting back in can be difficult—especially with two-factor authentication. Fortunately, Apple allows you to set up a recovery contact to simplify the account recovery process.

A recovery contact is someone you trust who can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account and iCloud data. This guide explains how to add one, how to help others as a recovery contact, and how to remove yourself if needed.

Why Use a Recovery Contact?

Apple cannot reset your password for you if you lose access—especially when two-factor authentication is enabled. A recovery contact offers a backup method for secure account access without needing a recovery key or secondary device.

This feature works only if all your Apple devices are updated to:

• iOS 15 or later
• iPadOS 15 or later
• macOS Monterey or later
• watchOS 8 or later (for Apple Watch)

Who Should Be Your Recovery Contact?

Choose someone you:

• Know and trust (like family or close friends)
• Who has:
  • An iPhone/iPad with iOS 15+ or Mac with macOS Monterey+
  • Two-factor authentication enabled
  • A passcode set on their device
  • Apple ID age requirement: 13+

How to Set Up a Recovery Contact

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your Apple ID banner at the top.
3. Select Sign In & Security.
4. Tap Recovery Contacts under “Recovery Methods.”
5. Tap Add Recovery Contact… and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
6. If you’re in a Family Sharing group, choose a suggested contact. Otherwise, tap Choose Someone Else.
7. Tap Next, customize the invitation message (optional), then tap Send.
8. Tap Done to finish setup.

✅ Tip: Save their phone number in case you need to contact them for help later.

How to Help Someone Regain Access

If someone has added you as their recovery contact, you can help them restore their Apple Account using these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your Apple ID banner ➝ Sign In & Security ➝ Account Recovery.
3. Tap your friend’s name.
4. Tap Get Recovery Code and read it aloud or send it to them.
5. They can enter this code to reset their password and unlock their account.

How to Remove Yourself as a Recovery Contact

If you no longer want to serve as someone’s recovery contact:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your Apple ID banner ➝ Sign In & Security ➝ Account Recovery.
3. Under “Account Recovery For,” select the person’s name.
4. Tap Remove Contact.

Apple will notify the person that you’re no longer available for account recovery assistance.

Final Tip

To use the recovery contact feature, make sure all of your devices are updated. Outdated devices on your Apple ID may block the ability to add or use recovery contacts. Remove unsupported devices or update them to the latest software.

Conclusion

Setting up a recovery contact ensures peace of mind and security. It provides a reliable, privacy-focused solution to regain access to your Apple Account if you’re ever locked out. Don’t wait until it’s too late—set up a recovery contact today and safeguard your digital life.