How do I change my Apple Account password when stuck in a loop on iPhone and MacBook?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How do I change my Apple Account password when stuck in a loop on iPhone and MacBook?

My account was locked this afternoon and I was able to get back in. Just to be safe, I want to change my password (even though I have MFA). When I go to change the password on my iPhone or MacBook, I get caught in an endless loop asking for my device (MacBook) password. I logged in to iCloud and received a message that I cannot change my password via a browser - it must be via iPhone.

So I'm caught not being able to change my password. I did not see any suspect charges, emails, phone numbers, etc., but I am at a loss as to what to do. My Sophos Home AV scan is clean, too. so that's the good news. Does anyone have advice for what I can try next? 'm hearing impaired so I cannot call Apple.

Edited to add: Two days ago I also noticed that when I restart and then close my MacBook for the night, the next day I have to log in with my name and device password - not just the device password like usual. I don't know if this is something nefarious and my paranoia is showing jk or if it is an indication that something is wrong. I am using OS 27.0.1, no updates to be done on my iPhone or MacBook (Apple M3 chip)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Cannot change password

iPhone 13

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 2:56 PM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

210,769 points

Oct 22, 2026 7:31 PM in response to croairzur169

"How do I change my Apple Account password when stuck in a loop on iPhone and MacBook: My account was locked this afternoon and I was able to get back in. Just to be safe, I want to change my password (even though I have MFA). When I go to change the password on my iPhone or MacBook, I get caught in an endless loop asking for my device (MacBook) password. I logged in to iCloud and received a message that I cannot change my password via a browser - it must be via iPhone.[...]"

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Add a Trusted Device:

It must be a trusted device, and your iPhone appears to be the one. Only Apple devices can be trusted devices. So, go here, and view your devices, seeing if you can add another one through it (your another OWN Mac, iPhone or iPad account.apple.com. .

Reply

Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

210,769 points

Oct 22, 2026 8:13 PM in response to croairzur169

"That makes sense. By the time I went and took a short nap and started to try again on my iPhone, everything worked perfectly. I absolutely dreaded a password change, because they NEVER go smoothly for me. Never. Like - never. But /knocking on wood this has been absolutely flawless with all six of my Apple devices. Thank you fr taking the time to answer my question. You are appreciated."

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You are most welcome.

From Here:

Create a Recovery Key. Keep it stored in a private location that only YOU have access to, and only YOU are knowable of. With a Recovery Key, you can get back in, but there is a one-hour wait: Set Up a Recovery Key for your Apple Account - Apple Support

As the Site Reads: "If you set up a recovery key and can’t provide it when you lose access to your account, you’ll be locked out of your account permanently."

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Answer 3

croairzur169 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 22, 2026 8:05 PM in response to TheLittles

That makes sense. By the time I went and took a short nap and started to try again on my iPhone, everything worked perfectly.

I absolutely dreaded a password change, because they NEVER go smoothly for me. Never. Like - never. But /knocking on wood this has been absolutely flawless with all six of my Apple devices.

Thank you fr taking the time to answer my question. You are appreciated.

Reply