Get safe guide
If you or someone you know is concerned they might be experiencing technology-related stalking or harassment on an Apple related product, or wants to sever digital ties with someone, the strategies below can help. To connect with an advocacy organization providing support related to harassment, domestic violence, stalking, or other concerns, see the Here to Help webpage.
If you’re looking for proactive ways to guard against future technology-related issues, see the Stay safe guide.
Strategies for getting safe
Use the steps below to help manage what you’re sharing and secure your devices and accounts.
Step 1. Safety first
IMPORTANT: Before making changes or deleting information, consider potential impacts to your safety.
You can download or print a copy of this Get safe guide for future reference by Control-clicking and selecting either Save Page As or Print Page.
Step 2. Update your Apple software
To help secure your device, make sure all of your Apple devices have the latest operating system installed with the latest security and privacy updates. To learn how, see Update your Apple software.
Note: Device updates may take time and device power to complete. If you’re in an urgent situation or emergency, you may want to continue on to the next step.
Step 3. Use guided solutions
Most tech-related personal safety issues relate to sharing and access. For guided help with these, use either:
Safety Check: The fastest, easiest way to view and manage sharing directly on your iPhone. To learn how, see Safety Check.
To access, use your iPhone with iOS 16 or later: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. (You may need to scroll down.)
Checklists: For iOS 15 or earlier, or for other Apple devices, see:
Step 4. Go further
Some things can’t be reviewed or changed using the guided solutions. Review these important additional steps.
This guide contains dozens of personal safety articles pertaining to devices, features, and settings. If you’d prefer help with a specific feature or issue, use:
The search field (top left)
This guide’s table of contents (top left)
Help for specific situations (below)
Urgent measures
IMPORTANT: Before making changes or deleting information, consider potential impacts to your safety and privacy.
Quick help
Quickly stop all sharing using Emergency Reset (option one)
Gather evidence
Restore a device to factory settings
If you want to erase all information and settings—including any apps that were installed without your knowledge—and reset your privacy settings so you aren’t sharing location with any people or apps, see Restore device to factory settings.
Lockdown Mode
If you believe you may have been targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack, such as by a private company developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware, see Harden your devices with Lockdown Mode.
Help for specific situations
It’s recommended that you start with steps 1–4 above, but you can also use the sections below to quickly find articles that may be helpful to your situation.
What is your situation? Select the plus button next to its title.