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6 Ways to Secure Your Apple ID on Your iPhone
Your Apple ID is the core of all your Apple devices, and its security is of the utmost importance. Therefore, you should put in some effort to ensure that your Apple ID doesn't get compromised at any point.
Fortunately, Apple is an active advocate of privacy and security, so there are various account security features that you can use to achieve this. Here are some ways to easily secure your Apple ID on your iPhone.
1. Two-Factor Authentication
The best way to protect your Apple ID is by enabling two-factor authentication. Before we dive into the details of how you can use this on your Apple device, let's talk about what this is.
Two-factor authentication is a process that mandates the use of two pieces of verification to gain access to your account, the first being your Apple ID password and the second being a six-digit verification code on a trusted device or phone number.
Enter the password and verification code into the device you're trying to log into for the first time, and you're good to go. This will ensure no one else can log in, even if they somehow figure out your Apple ID password. You can also use some great authenticator apps for two-factor authentication on your iPhone, Android, and other devices.
If you created your Apple ID on a device running on iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, or later, then this feature is automatically enabled. If not, follow these steps to turn it on and start using it:
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- Go to Settings and tap your Apple ID name at the top.
- Select Password & Security.
- Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
2. Use a Recovery Key
Using a recovery key will give you a preventative layer of security if your Apple ID has somehow been breached, allowing you to regain access and retake control of your account quickly. Here's what you need to do:
- Go to Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security.
- Select Account Recovery, tap Recovery Key, and then toggle it on.
- Choose Use Recovery Key from the pop-up and enter your passcode.
- Write down or copy your 28-digit key somewhere safe. Remember, ensuring the safety of this key is entirely upon you, so don't misplace or forget it.
- Re-enter your key to confirm.
Once you have your 28-digit code, you can use it to change your Apple ID password if you forget it or your account gets compromised. It's a nice backup to have, as you can never be too sure about what could happen.
3. Use Hardware Security Keys
Hardware security keys are your best bet if you want to go above and beyond and cover every loose end possible. While two-factor authentication requires using your Apple ID password and a six-digit verification code as your two components, these physical security keys will replace the verification code as your second authentication factor.
The physical keys will remain in your possession alone, ensuring that no one else can intercept information or log into your Apple ID account. Setting up and using security keys for your Apple ID is pretty easy, as long as you have two FIDO-certified security keys and iOS 16.3 or later running on your device. Here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Go to Password & Security in your Apple ID settings and select Security Keys.
- Tap on Add Security Keys.
- Press Continue and follow the on-screen instructions to finish.
Now, whenever you want to sign in to your Apple ID on a new device or reset your password, all you have to do is plug in your key or place an NFC key at the top of your device.
4. Set Up Family Sharing Instead of Sharing an Apple ID
They say privacy is the best policy, and it could not be more apt when it comes to protecting something as personal as your Apple ID. You may want to give your Apple ID to someone in your family or a close friend for multiple reasons, like sharing subscriptions and purchases from the App Store.
However, this may set off a propagation chain where your account password may pass on from one person to another, intentionally or unintentionally, without your knowledge. Safe to say, it's not going to be an ideal situation.
If you've already done this, make sure to reset your password first and foremost. Then, set up Family Sharing, so you can reap the benefits of sharing certain features and ensure your Apple ID's safety.
All you have to do is go to Settings > Apple ID > Family Sharing and follow the on-screen instructions. You can add up to five additional members to your Family Sharing group.
5. Add Accessible Recovery Contacts
This is another preventative measure for when and if you forget your Apple ID password or want to reset it. You can learn how to set up an account recovery contact for your Apple ID, but only do so if you have a reliable set of people around you. The contacts you choose will verify your identity and provide essential information to regain access to your Apple ID.
To add account recovery contacts, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security.
- Scroll down and tap Account Recovery.
- Select Add Recovery Contact and tap it again in the prompt that pops up. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Update Your Apple ID Contact Details Regularly
When you tap your Apple ID name in Settings, you can see all the details of your accounts, including your name, phone number, and email. It is essential to ensure all the information here is correct and updated every so often.
If you ever change your email address or phone number, always remember to manually update this over here since these are the phone numbers and email addresses used to contact you. Apart from that, make sure you quickly skim all the other data available under Password & Security and Payment & Shipping to avoid any discrepancies later on.
Keep Your Apple ID Safe With These Tips
Along with practicing basic preventative measures like keeping your password to yourself and updating your account information, Apple has a few fantastic features that add a thick layer of security to your Apple ID.
Two-factor authentication is prevalent among many iPhone users, while recovery keys, recovery contacts, and hardware security keys are features you'll have to set up yourself. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so use all the available security measures and protect your Apple ID.
