Set Up Recovery Contact for Apple ID
Setting up a recovery contact for your Apple ID is one of the smartest ways to ensure you never lose access to your account — even if you forget your password or lose your device. Apple’s recovery contact feature adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind. In this OnePlus guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up, manage, and use a recovery contact safely in the U.S. and Canada.
Why Set Up a Recovery Contact
Your Apple ID is the key to everything — from iCloud backups and purchases to FaceTime and Messages. If you ever get locked out, a recovery contact can help you regain access quickly and securely.
Benefits include:
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Faster account recovery without waiting for Apple’s manual verification.
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Trusted person access — only you and your contact can trigger recovery.
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Enhanced security for iCloud, Apple Pay, and device logins.
OnePlus Tip: Your recovery contact cannot access your data — they can only help you prove your identity.
Step 1: Check Device Compatibility
Before setting up a recovery contact, ensure your device meets the requirements:
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iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later
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macOS device with macOS Monterey or later
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Apple ID with two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled
To check:
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Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Password & Security.
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Confirm 2FA is turned on.
Step 2: Choose a Trusted Recovery Contact
Select someone you trust completely — typically a family member or close friend who uses Apple devices regularly.
Your recovery contact must:
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Be over 13 years old.
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Have an Apple ID.
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Use iOS 15/macOS Monterey or later.
OnePlus Tip: You can add up to five recovery contacts for maximum flexibility.
Step 3: Add a Recovery Contact
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Open Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Account Recovery.
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Tap Add Recovery Contact.
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Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
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Choose a contact from your list of trusted friends or family.
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Tap Add Contact and confirm.
Your contact will receive an invitation — once accepted, they’re officially linked to your Apple ID.
Step 4: How Recovery Contact Works
If you ever get locked out of your Apple ID:
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Contact your recovery person.
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They’ll receive a code on their Apple device.
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Share that code with you (safely).
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You can then use it to regain access to your account.
This process avoids long verification delays and gives you faster access to your iCloud and Apple ID.
OnePlus Tip: Keep your contact’s info updated — if they change devices or Apple IDs, refresh the setup.
Step 5: Manage or Remove a Recovery Contact
You can change or remove your recovery contact anytime:
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Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Account Recovery.
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Tap your existing recovery contact.
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Choose Remove Contact or Add New Contact.
You can also view their status (accepted or pending) from this same menu.
Step 6: Verify Recovery Contact Status
To make sure everything’s set up properly:
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Open Account Recovery again and confirm your contact’s name appears under “Your Recovery Contacts.”
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Look for a checkmark — it means they’ve accepted your invitation.
If the status shows Pending, remind them to accept via the notification on their Apple device.
Step 7: Use Recovery Contact for Advanced Data Protection
If you’ve enabled Advanced Data Protection (ADP) on your iCloud account, having a recovery contact is essential.
With ADP, Apple cannot help you recover data — but your recovery contact can help verify your identity. This ensures your encrypted data stays private yet recoverable.
Step 8: Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you can’t add a recovery contact:
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Make sure both devices are updated to iOS 15/macOS Monterey or newer.
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Check that 2FA is turned on for your Apple ID.
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Verify your contact has an Apple ID and uses an Apple device.
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Restart your iPhone or iPad and try again.
Related OnePlus Guides
FAQ
1. Can my recovery contact see my data or photos?
No. Your recovery contact cannot view your data — they only help confirm your identity to restore account access.
2. Can I have multiple recovery contacts?
Yes, you can add up to five trusted contacts for better security.
3. What if my recovery contact loses their device?
You can remove and replace them anytime in your Apple ID settings.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a recovery contact for your Apple ID is a simple but powerful step toward securing your digital life. With this feature, you can recover access quickly if you forget your password or lose your device — without compromising your privacy. By following OnePlus’ step-by-step guide, users in the U.S. and Canada can stay protected and connected with complete confidence.
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