Learn exactly how to create a strong Apple ID password that meets Apple's requirements and keeps your account secure. Follow our step-by-step guide to generate, test, and store your password safely.
Your Apple ID is the single key to your entire Apple ecosystem β iCloud, the App Store, iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Pay, and Find My iPhone. If someone cracks your Apple ID password, they gain access to your photos, messages, payment details, and even your device locations. This guide walks you through how to create a strong password for Apple ID step by step, so you can protect everything that matters.
Your Apple ID password is not just another login credential. It protects:
A weak password puts all of this at risk. The good news: creating a strong one takes less than two minutes if you follow the steps below.
Before you create your password, you need to know what Apple accepts. Here are the mandatory requirements:
While Apple allows passwords that just meet these minimums, 8 characters is dangerously short. Modern cracking hardware can brute-force an 8-character password in hours. Security experts recommend 16 characters or more with special characters for real protection.
| Password Length | Estimated Crack Time | Security Level |
|---|---|---|
| 8 characters | Hours to days | Weak |
| 12 characters | Months to years | Moderate |
| 16 characters | Centuries | Strong |
| 20+ characters | Millions of years | Very Strong |
There are two proven methods to create a strong Apple ID password. Both work β choose the one that fits your needs.
A random password generator creates a string of characters with no patterns, no dictionary words, and no predictable structure. This is the strongest method because it maximises entropy β the measure of how unpredictable a password is.
Examples of random passwords:
Kx9#mPw2vL!qTn7@ β 16 characters, maximum entropyBk8*jHv3!wRt6Lm$Yq β 18 characters, extremely strongMn2$xFp9@Cw4vQ7!Rz5& β 20 characters, virtually uncrackableThese are examples only. Never use a password you've seen published online.
If you need something you can actually recall, combine four or more unrelated words with numbers and symbols:
Blue$Frog42!Rain β three random words + number + symbolsDesk&Cloud9!Tiger β easy to picture, hard to guess7Lamp!River$Moon3 β starts and ends with a numberKite#92Whale!Frost β memorable imagery, strong entropyThe key is to never use personal information β no pet names, birthdays, or street addresses. If it's on your social media, a hacker can guess it.
Humans are terrible at being random. Studies show that people consistently choose predictable patterns, even when trying to create "random" passwords. A password generator eliminates this problem entirely.
Our Apple ID Password Generator creates truly random passwords that meet all of Apple's requirements. You can customise the length (we recommend 16+) and choose which character types to include. Every password is generated locally in your browser β nothing is stored or transmitted.
Before you set your new Apple ID password, test it. A password strength checker analyses your password's entropy, estimates how long it would take to crack, and flags common weaknesses like dictionary words or keyboard patterns.
Use our password complexity checker to verify your Apple ID password before using it. A strong password should show:
If your password scores below "strong," go back to Step 3 and generate a new one. It's better to spend an extra minute now than to deal with a compromised account later.
You've created a strong, random, 16+ character password. Now the question: how do you remember it? The answer is simple β you don't. You store it in a password manager.
| Storage Method | Security | Convenience | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written on a sticky note | Very low | Low | Avoid |
| Notes app on your phone | Low | Medium | Avoid |
| Saved in your browser | Medium | High | Acceptable |
| Apple Keychain | Good | High (Apple only) | Good |
| Dedicated password manager | Excellent | High (all devices) | Best |
Your Apple ID protects your photos, messages, purchases, and payment info. Don't risk losing your new strong password β store it securely with NordPass and access it on iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android.
Get NordPass with 50% discount βSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
A dedicated password manager like NordPass encrypts your passwords with XChaCha20 encryption and works across all your devices β iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android. Unlike Apple Keychain, it's not limited to the Apple ecosystem. You only need to remember one master password, and NordPass handles the rest.
A strong password is your first line of defence. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is your second. With 2FA enabled, even if someone guesses or steals your password, they still cannot access your account without a verification code sent to your trusted device.
To enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID:
Once enabled, you'll receive a 6-digit verification code on your trusted devices whenever you (or anyone) tries to sign in to your Apple ID from a new device or browser. This makes your account vastly more secure, even if your password is compromised.
Even people who try to create strong passwords often fall into these traps. Here are the most common mistakes when creating an Apple ID password:
| Mistake | Example | Why It's Dangerous |
|---|---|---|
| Using a dictionary word + number | Apple123! | First combination attackers try |
| Including personal information | Sarah1990! | Easily found on social media |
| Using keyboard patterns | Qwerty1! | Present in every cracking wordlist |
| Common letter substitutions | P@ssw0rd! | Cracking tools check these automatically |
| Meeting only the bare minimum | Ab12345! | 8 characters = brute-forced in hours |
| Reusing passwords across services | (same as Gmail) | One breach compromises all accounts |
| Sharing passwords via text or email | (sent in iMessage) | Creates a permanent, searchable record |
| Skipping two-factor authentication | β | No safety net if password is stolen |
If you recognise any of these patterns in your current Apple ID password, change it now. Use the password generator to create a replacement, then store it in a password manager.
If you forget your Apple ID password, don't panic. Apple provides several recovery options:
Apple will verify your identity through your trusted phone number, recovery email, or recovery key. Once verified, you can set a new password.
The best way to avoid this situation entirely is to store your password in a password manager. With NordPass, your Apple ID password is always one click away β no memorisation required.
Looking for more Apple ID security resources? Check out our Apple ID Password Generator, Password Strength Checker, or browse Apple ID Password Examples & Ideas for inspiration.
