How to add a recovery contact on an iPhone (iOS 27)

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-add-a-recovery-contact-on-an-iphone/ · Checked October 2026 · iPhone 17e · iOS 27.0.1

3 of 3 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device

iPhone

Shown on

iOS 27.0.1 (iPhone 17e)

App

Settings

Path

Settings › Your name › Sign-In & Security › Recovery Contacts

Real screenshots

3 of 3 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Tap Recovery Contacts

   In Settings, tap your name, then Sign-In & Security. Recovery Contacts is under Recovery Methods, above Recovery Key; both said Set up on ours.

   Done

2. 

   Tap Add Recovery Contact

   The page says a recovery contact can help get your account and data back, and that if you forget your passcode you need a recovery contact or a recovery key.

   Done

3. 

   Tap Choose a Recovery Contact

   The note says the person must be at least 13 years old and have an Apple device.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Asked to turn on two-factor authentication? Apple says to turn it on if prompted. On ours it was already on: Two-Factor Authentication sits under Security on the same Sign-In & Security page. Source: Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account
• Asked to update or remove a device? Apple says all your Apple devices must run iOS 15, iPadOS 15 or macOS Monterey 12 or later, and you may be asked to remove older devices you no longer use. Source: Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account
• Too young to add one? Apple says you and your contact must be over 13, and that the age varies by country or region. Our screen said at least 13. Source: Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account

If this does not work

• The person you want is not offered? Apple says they need an Apple device on iOS 15, iPadOS 15 or macOS Monterey 12 or later, and both of you need iMessage turned on. Tap Choose Someone Else to pick a different person. Source: Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account
• They declined or removed themselves? Apple says you get a notification and can pick someone else. Source: Set up a recovery contact for your Apple Account

About this guide

A recovery contact cannot see your account: Apple says they can only give you a code to get back in.

The screenshots are from our iPhone 17e with iOS 27.0.1, in Dark mode. Our account details are blurred. We stopped before choosing anyone.

Good to know

Apple says people in your Family Sharing group are added straight away. Anyone else gets an invitation in Messages and must accept it. You can add up to five.

While you are there, keep your password strong: how to change your Apple Account password on an iPhone.

In short: Settings, your name, Sign-In & Security, Recovery Contacts, Add Recovery Contact, Choose a Recovery Contact.