How to Add a Recovery Contact on iPhone So You're Never Locked Out

Being locked out of your Apple Account means being locked out of your photos, messages, backups and purchases. Recovery can take days.

A Recovery Contact is someone you trust who can give you a code to get back in quickly. They never get access to your account.

An account Recovery Contact is a trusted person with an Apple device who can generate a short code to help you reset your password if you're ever locked out. They can't see your data or sign in as you.

Takes: 2 minutes · Works on: iOS 15 or later (under Password & Security on older versions) · Cost: free, built into your iPhone

Settings > Your name > Sign-In & Security > Recovery Contacts

1. Open Sign-In & Security. Open Settings, tap your name, then Sign-In & Security.
2. Tap Recovery Contacts. Tap Recovery Contacts, then Add Recovery Contact.
3. Choose someone. Pick a trusted family member or friend who has an iPhone, and authenticate.
4. Send the invitation. Send the message. Once they accept, they're your Recovery Contact.

💡 While you're there, set up a Legacy Contact too, so a loved one can access your photos if you die.

• Choose someone you can reach by phone, not just by message.
• You can add more than one, and remove them at any time.
• They need an Apple device with a recent iOS version.
• Offer to be their Recovery Contact in return.

Can my Recovery Contact see my data?

No. They can only generate a code to help you reset your password.

What's the difference from a Legacy Contact?

A Recovery Contact helps you get back in. A Legacy Contact can access your data after your death.