The HowTo NetworkTech

How to set up an account recovery contact on iPhone

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
iOS 18.4 - iPhone 15 Pro
You will need
iPhone with iOS 15 or later, Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled, A trusted contact with an Apple device

Step by step

  1. 30 sec

    Open Apple ID settings

    Launch the Settings app from your Home Screen. Tap your name banner at the very top of the menu to access your Apple ID profile.

  2. 30 sec

    Access Sign-In & Security settings

    Tap the Sign-In & Security menu item. This area contains all authentication and recovery preferences associated with your account.

  3. 30 sec

    Open Account Recovery

    Select Account Recovery from the list. If prompted, enter your device passcode or Face ID to authorize access to these settings.

  4. 1 min

    Designate a recovery contact

    Tap Add Recovery Contact. Tap the Add Recovery Contact button again on the informational screen, then select a contact from your list or enter an email address if they are in your Family Sharing group.

    Note: Ensure your contact is using an Apple device with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey or later.
  5. 30 sec

    Confirm the invitation

    Review the pre-populated message that will be sent to your contact. Tap Send to notify them and complete the setup process.

    Note: Your contact must accept the request on their own device for the recovery relationship to become active.