Reset a Forgotten Microsoft Account or Apple ID Password (the Safe Way)

Locked out of your Microsoft account or your Apple ID? This guide shows how to reset a forgotten password safely, using Microsoft’s own sign-in page or Apple’s iforgot.apple.com, plus how to spot a fake password-reset text or email instead of the real thing.

Before you start

Start from the real site, never from a link in a text or email.

Go there yourself — Type the address, or use an app you already trust. Don’t click a link in a message.

Have your recovery info ready — Your recovery phone, email, or trusted device is how you’ll get the code.

Real companies won’t ask for the code — If someone calls or texts asking for your code, hang up. It’s a scam.

How to reset a forgotten microsoft or apple id password: step by step

Microsoft Account

1Microsoft: Forgot my password?

On the Microsoft sign-in page, select Forgot my password, and click Send code.

WHAT TO DOType the code you receive, create a new password, and click Save.

Reset a forgotten microsoft or apple id password: Microsoft: Forgot my password?

Apple ID

2Apple ID: iforgot.apple.com

At iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID, and click Send code.

WHAT TO DOType the code sent to your trusted device, create a new password, and click Save.

Apple ID: iforgot.apple.com

A few tips

Beware the fake “password reset” text — A link in an unexpected text or email can lead to a fake copy of the real site.
No trusted device or code? Account recovery takes longer — Both Microsoft and Apple have a slower process when you’ve lost everything.
Set up a passkey next — Face, fingerprint, or PIN — so you may not need a password at all next time.

Recap: reset a forgotten password

Go to the real site yourself — never a link in a text or email
Microsoft: sign-in page → Forgot my password → code → new password
Apple ID: iforgot.apple.com → code → new password
No code? No trusted device? Use account recovery instead

Printable quick guide

Reset a Forgotten Microsoft or Apple ID Password (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Where do I actually go to reset a forgotten Microsoft or Apple password?

Go directly to the sign-in page yourself (or use Settings on an Apple device) and look for “Forgot my password?”, or go to iforgot.apple.com for an Apple ID. Never use a link from a text or email you weren’t expecting.

What if I don’t have access to my recovery phone or email?

Both Microsoft and Apple offer a slower account recovery process for this situation. It takes longer, often a few days, because they need extra ways to confirm it’s really you.

Is it safe to click a link in a text that says my password was reset?

Treat it as suspicious by default. Scammers send fake password-reset messages to steal your login on a convincing copy of the real site. Go to the real site yourself instead of clicking the link.

Can Naples Computers reset my password for me?

We can walk you through the official process and help confirm a message is legitimate, but only you can complete identity verification for your own account, since that’s how Microsoft and Apple keep accounts secure.

Always start from the real site yourself, typing the address or using a trusted app, never by clicking a link in a text or email. No real company will ever call or text you asking for your verification code.