How to Configure Account Recovery on iPhone

Secure your Apple ID by setting up a Recovery Contact and Recovery Key. Ensure you never lose access to your digital data with this definitive guide.

1. Access your Apple ID security settings. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap your name at the top of the menu, then select Login & Security to view your account protection options.
2. Designate a Recovery Contact. Tap Account Recovery and select Add Recovery Contact. Choose a trusted friend or family member from your contacts who also uses an Apple device.
3. Confirm the recovery invitation. Send the automatically generated invitation to your contact via Messages. They must accept the request from their own device settings to finalize the link.
4. Generate a Recovery Key. Return to the Account Recovery menu and select Recovery Key. Toggle the switch to On and select Use Recovery Key to begin the generation process.
5. Store your Recovery Key securely. Note the 28-character key exactly as displayed. You must enter this key on the next screen to verify that you have saved it, then tap Done to activate.