If you've [enabled two-step verification](for your iCloud account, you already know that if you ever forget your password, you'll need your iCloud recovery key in order to reset it. If you've lost the printout containing your key, you should immediately generate a new one in case your key falls into the wrong hands. As long as you know your current password, you can replace your iCloud recovery key in just a few minutes.
Keep in mind that this only works if you know your password. If you've already lost your password, this won't help you.
How to generate a new iCloud recovery key
- Go to appleid.apple.com from any web browser.
- Click on Manage your Apple ID.
- Sign in with your Apple ID on the next screen in order to continue.
- Choose one of the methods to verify your identity.
- Enter the verification code that was sent to one of your trusted devices or by text message in order to proceed.
- Click on Password and Security in the left hand navigation.
- Click on Replace Lost Key.
- Click Next.
- Save your new recovery key in a safe place. Your old one will no longer work.
- Confirm your new recovery key in order to activate it.
That's all there is to it. When it comes to storing your recovery key, we recommend any one of the following:
- Print it out or write it down and store it in a locked safe
- Keep it in a secure password manager such as 1Password
It's important to remember that anyone who has access to your recovery key is one step closer to gaining access to your iCloud account. So it's extremely important to protect it. If you ever suspect that someone has accessed your key that shouldn't, you should generate a new key immediately.
