Unable to change Apple ID password using Face ID on iPhone

franciska66 wrote:

I forgot my Apple ID password. Like usually because I rarely download any app and everything works with face ID.

Earlier I could change it easily with face ID. Now it doesn’t let me…Even after it identifies my own face…even after I waited 1 hour…It just refuses to work.

Biometric authentication is a shortcut that allows not entering your passwords as often, though biometrics are not a replacement for passwords. Not the least because biometrics can’t be easily changed.

Here is what to do:

• If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support
• How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

The one-hour delay likely also means that stolen device protection is enabled, and you are not at a familiar location, or that stolen device protection is enabled always. While you’re working on this case, temporarily disable stolen device protection.

One can never change their Apple ID password using Face ID or Touch ID directly. While Face ID or Touch ID can be used to authenticate certain actions—like autofilling passwords, approving purchases, or signing into apps—they cannot be used on their own to change the Apple ID password. Changing your Apple ID password always requires entering your current password or device passcode for verification.

Apple ID and Activation Lock

iCloud uses Apple ID credentials.

If you do not remember the Apple ID Password then follow the steps given in this Apple Article -> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

If you do not remember the Apple ID then follow the steps given in this Apple Article -> If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you are the owner or the owner has shared all information with you then to open Activation Lock:- If it is Activation locked, read here --> Turn off Activation Lock - Apple Support Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Learn how to remove a device from a previous owner's account.

If you are not the owner and do not have the Apple ID and Password, then there is no way that you can get into this iPhone unless the original owner shares the Apple ID and password with you. If you are lucky, you can get into this iPhone if they (owner) accidentally removes the device from their Apple ID.

At the risk of “piling on” …

Going forward your Apple Account Password is one of the handful of passwords which truly NEED to be memorized … SOLIDLY. (i.e. so you can quickly and accurately recall it even when “stressed.”)

Without knowing it, there are numerous disaster recovery steps you simply can’t execute. (especially w/o another Trusted Device readily at-hand)

These range from simply finding your misplaced phone and Marking it as Lost/Stolen; up to setting up a completely new replacement phone, or gaining simple browser access to your iCloud.

While your current predicament IS indeed difficult; take it a learning experience for the future.

Did you have a question?

Love the sarcasm - not. But you're angry that you didn't do anything to store something as important as your Apple Account Password? And your assertions of a shapeshifter, are amusing at best, false at worst. You put yourself in this situation. Not Apple and certainly not anyone on this user to user only forum. So I'm not sure what the point of your post is?

The simple fact is you MUST know your Apple Account password in order to change it. Face ID is not a replacement for Passcodes or Passwords. It never has been. If it has been forgotten, this link should help you --> If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support

Once you have set up a new Password, write it down somewhere, which is beyond simple and will prevent you from going through this again. Something as simple as this: