The fastest way to get your Apple TV password back

If you have forgotten your Apple TV password, you can reset it through your Apple ID account on any web browser or device. Apple does not store your Apple TV password separately — it uses your Apple ID credentials to sign you in. This means retrieving or resetting your password means going through your Apple ID account, not through the Apple TV app itself.

The process takes about five minutes and requires access to the email address or phone number linked to your Apple ID. You will need to verify your identity before Apple lets you change the password.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apple TV password is the same as your Apple ID password, so resetting one resets the other across all your Apple devices.
  • You can reset your password at iforgot.apple.com using your Apple ID email address or phone number.
  • Apple will send a verification code to your email or phone — you must enter this code before you can create a new password.
  • After you reset your password, sign out of Apple TV on all your devices and sign back in with the new password to make sure it works.

Reset your password at iforgot.apple.com

Go to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your Apple ID, then click or tap the arrow to continue.

Apple will ask you to choose how you want to verify your identity. You can receive a code by email or text message — pick whichever you have access to right now. Enter the six-digit code when it arrives, then create a new password. Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter.

Once you have set the new password, you are done at iforgot.apple.com. Your Apple ID password has been changed, and that same password now works on Apple TV.

Sign back into Apple TV with your new password

Open the Apple TV app on the device where you want to watch. Go to Account or Settings (the location depends on whether you are on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or smart TV). Select Sign Out or Sign In.

When prompted, enter your Apple ID email address and your new password. Apple TV will confirm that you are signed in. Repeat this step on any other devices where you use Apple TV — your old password will no longer work on any of them.

What to do if you do not receive the verification code

Check your spam or junk folder — the email from Apple sometimes lands there by mistake. If you chose to receive the code by text and it did not arrive, wait a few minutes and request the code again.

If you still do not receive a code, try the other method. If you originally chose email, request a text message instead, or vice versa. Make sure the phone number or email address you entered at iforgot.apple.com is the one actually connected to your Apple ID — if you are not sure, you may need to contact Apple Support to confirm which email or phone is on file.

Use two-factor authentication if you have it turned on

If your Apple ID has two-factor authentication enabled, the password reset process includes an extra step. After you enter the verification code, Apple will ask you to confirm the password change on a trusted device — usually your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Look for a notification on one of your trusted devices asking you to allow the password change. Tap Allow on that device, and the password reset will complete. This extra layer of security means that even if someone has your email address, they cannot change your password without access to your phone or computer.

Reset your password from your iPhone or iPad

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can also reset your Apple ID password directly from Settings. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. Enter your device passcode or Face ID when prompted, then follow the steps to create a new password.

This method is faster if you still have access to your iPhone or iPad, because you do not have to wait for a verification code — your device already knows who you are. After you change the password here, sign back into Apple TV the same way you would after using iforgot.apple.com.

What happens if you cannot access your recovery email or phone

If the email address and phone number on your Apple ID are both out of reach, you will need to contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity through other means — such as asking security questions you set up when you created your Apple ID, or verifying information about your Apple devices and purchases.

Go to support.apple.com, select your device type, and choose the option to contact support by phone, chat, or email. Have your device serial number and any recent Apple purchase receipts ready — this information helps Apple confirm that you own the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Apple ID password sign me out of everything?

Resetting your Apple ID password will sign you out of most Apple services on most devices, but not when ready on all of them. You will need to sign back in manually on each device where you use Apple TV, iCloud, the App Store, or other Apple services. Your Mac may stay signed in longer than your iPhone or iPad.

Can I change my Apple TV password without changing my Apple ID password?

No. Apple TV does not have a separate password — it uses your Apple ID password. If you change one, you change the other. This is by design, because it keeps all your Apple accounts find with a single password.

How long does it take to reset my password?

The reset itself is when ready once you verify your identity with the code. However, it can take a few minutes for the change to sync across all your devices. If you sign back into Apple TV right away and it does not work, wait five minutes and try again.

What if I remember my password but want to change it anyway?

You can change your password anytime without resetting it. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. On a Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. On a web browser, visit iforgot.apple.com and choose the option to change your password instead of resetting it.

Do I need to change my password on Apple TV itself?

No. There is no password-change option in the Apple TV app. All password changes happen through your Apple ID account on the web or through your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Once you change your Apple ID password, sign out and back into Apple TV to use the new password.