How to set up account recovery contacts on iPhone

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open Apple ID settings

   Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap your name at the very top of the menu to access your Apple ID profile.

2. 30 sec

   Access security settings

   Tap on Sign-In & Security from the list of options. This menu houses all authentication and recovery preferences for your account.

3. 30 sec

   Select Account Recovery

   Locate and tap Account Recovery. You will see an option labeled Recovery Contact; tap Add Recovery Contact to proceed.

4. 15 sec

   Confirm with Face ID

   When prompted, authenticate the action using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. This security check is required to modify account recovery settings.

5. 1 min

   Select your contact

   If you are part of a Family Sharing group, you may select a family member. Alternatively, tap Choose Someone Else to select a contact from your address book.

   Note: The contact must be over 13 years old and possess an Apple device.
6. 30 sec

   Send the invitation

   Review the pre-populated message and tap Send. The recipient must accept the invitation from their own device’s Settings menu for the contact to become active.

   Note: You can manage or remove these contacts at any time from this same menu.