Forgot Your Developer Account Password or Email: What to Do

A forgotten password is a quick fix on both platforms — a forgotten or inaccessible email is harder, especially if it’s your only way to prove ownership of the account. Here’s how to handle both scenarios on Apple Developer and Google Play Console.

Forgot your password: Apple ID

1. On the sign-in page, click “Forgot Apple ID or password?”
2. Enter your Apple ID (email), or use the name/details lookup option if you don’t remember it.
3. Choose a recovery method: a trusted device, a trusted phone number, or security questions (if they were set up long ago and are still active).
4. Set a new password — it’s worth checking and updating your 2FA settings right after the change.

Forgot your password: Google account (for Play Console)

1. On the sign-in page, click “Forgot password?”
2. Google will offer several verification methods: your last known password, a code to a recovery email or phone, or confirmation via a trusted device.
3. Once verified, set a new password.

If you’ve lost access to the email tied to your account

This is harder, since that email is usually your primary account identifier.

For Apple ID

• If you still have access to trusted devices, you can start account recovery through them, even without access to the email itself.
• If you have neither email nor trusted device access, you’ll need Apple’s Account Recovery process — it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and involves manual identity verification.

For Google accounts

• Google offers an Account Recovery form that asks a series of questions about your last known account activity — the more accurate your answers, the better your odds.
• If none of the verification methods succeed, recovering the account may not be possible — worth planning for in advance rather than tying a business-critical developer account to a personal email with no backup sign-in method.

How to avoid losing access in the first place

• Use a dedicated email created specifically for the developer account — not a personal or work email that could be deleted if someone leaves the company.
• Set up and save recovery codes as soon as you enable 2FA — on both platforms.
• Regularly check that your trusted phone numbers and recovery emails are still current, especially after switching carriers or email providers.
• For organizations — designate more than one person with Admin/Account Holder rights, so one person losing access doesn’t mean losing access to the whole account.

FAQ

Can I change the email tied to my developer account without losing access?
Yes, if you currently have access — you can change it in your profile settings ahead of time, before any problem occurs.

What happens to apps and data if the account can’t be recovered?
Apps stay available to users who already installed them, but management (updates, publishing, financial operations) becomes impossible until the account is recovered or a new one is created — which for organizations effectively means starting over.

Is there a way to verify identity without access to any linked contact method?
In some cases, Apple and Google accept additional documentation (membership payment receipts, screenshots of account activity) as part of manual review — but this isn’t a guaranteed path, just an exceptional measure.

This article is independent and not affiliated with Apple Inc. or Google LLC. For official information, see support.apple.com and support.google.com.

Related: Apple Developer Account Locked: How to Recover Access · Google Play Developer Account Suspended: How to Appeal · Apple Developer 2FA Code Not Received