Security and your Apple ID
Find out more about security and your Apple ID.
Your Apple ID is the account that you use to sign in to Apple Services – such as the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, iMessage, FaceTime and more – and includes your contact, payment and security details. Apple uses best-in-class security technologies to help secure your data.
Never give your Apple ID password, verification codes, device passcode, recovery key or any account security details to anyone else. Apple will never ask you for this information.
Apple has strict policies and procedures in place to prevent unauthorised access to your Apple ID. When you contact us for support, we may ask you to confirm your Apple ID via a notification we send to your device. Or you can generate a temporary Support PIN that will identify your Apple ID.
Protect your Apple ID and password
To help protect your Apple ID and all of the important content you store with Apple, you can follow these recommendations.
Protect your account with two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is designed to make sure you're the only person who can access your Apple ID, even if someone else knows your password. When you enter your Apple ID and password for the first time on a new device, that device will ask for the verification code that is displayed automatically on your trusted devices.
Keep your Apple ID password private
Apple requires you to use a strong password for your Apple ID – eight or more characters, including upper and lowercase letters and at least one number.
Never share your Apple ID password, verification codes or account security details with anyone else. Don't use your Apple ID password with other online accounts.
Don't share an Apple ID
Don't share an account with other people, even family members. Sharing an Apple ID means you're giving someone else access to all of your personal content. If someone else helped you set up your Apple ID and password, change your password.
To share App Store purchases, photos, calendars and more, use Family Sharing, iCloud Photo Sharing and other easy-to-use sharing features.
Keep your account information up to date
Apple will notify you by email, text or notification when changes have been made to your account, such as when you sign in for the first time on a new device or if you've changed your password. If you've received a notification, but can't remember making any changes, someone else may have accessed your account. You should change your password immediately and always keep your account information up to date.
Additional tips to protect your device and data
Use a device passcode or password and Face ID or Touch ID. For enhanced security, you can set a passcode on your device – or a login password on your Mac – to help protect your data. Use Face ID or Touch ID if your device supports it.
Keep your software up to date. Apple software releases include bug fixes, new features and critical security updates. Make sure you update your device whenever software updates are available.
Protect your personal information. Find out how Apple designs products to protect your privacy and give you control over your information.
Don't fall for scams. If it sounds like a scam, assume that it is a scam. Follow online safety tips to avoid phishing and other online scams.
