Are you concerned that an unauthorized person may need access to your Apple ID? These steps will help you find out and regain control of your account.
Signs your Apple ID has been compromised
- Your Apple ID may be compromised if you receive an account notification from Apple for a change you did not make, or for those who notice account details or modifications you don’t recognize. For instance:
- You receive email or notification that your Apple ID was used to sign in to a device you do not recognize or didn’t sign in to recently (for example, “Your Apple ID was used to check in to iCloud on a Windows PC”).
- You obtain a confirmation email from Apple that your Apple ID password was modified or your account information was updated, but you can’t remember making any changes.
- Your device was locked or placed in Lost Mode by somebody other than you.
- You see messages you did not send, or items you didn’t delete.
- You see charges or notices for purchases that you did not make. Learn what to do if you see an unfamiliar iTunes Store or App Store charge in your credit or debit card statement.
- Your password no longer works, or it might have been modified or locked.
- You do not recognize some account details.
In case you received an email, SMS, or phone call that you’re not sure is valid or you think is likely to be phishing, here are some ideas to help determine its legitimacy.
Gain control of your Apple ID
In case you think your Apple ID is compromised, use these steps to gain management of it and review your account information:
- Sign in to your Apple ID account page. If you cannot sign in or you receive a message that the account is locked while you try to sign in, try to reset or unlock your account.
- Change your Apple ID password and select a strong password.
- Review all the personal and security info in your account. Replace any information that is not correct or that you don’t recognize, including:
Your name.
Your main Apple ID email address.* If you need to change your email address, replace the features and services that you use with Apple ID, so that each will be using your updated Apple ID.
All alternate email addresses, rescue email addresses, and telephone numbers.
The devices which can be associated with your Apple ID, in case you’ve already set up two-factor authentication.
Security questions and answers. In case you think they might be easy to guess, it’s best to change your security questions. - Examine with your email address provider to be sure you control every email address associated with your Apple ID. When you don’t control the email addresses associated with the Apple ID, you need to change the password for the email address or use a different email.
- Set two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
This extra security feature is designed to stop anyone from accessing your account, even if they know your password. If you completed the steps above and think your account would possibly be compromised, contact Apple Assist.
Know which Apple ID is signed in to your device
In case you’re signed in in your system with an Apple ID that you do not recognize, use these steps to sign out, then back in with a unique Apple ID. To make sure that you’re signed in to Apple IDs that only you control, you can check the following settings on each of your devices:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
- Settings > [your name]
- Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store
- Settings > Messages > Send & ReceiveSettings > FaceTime
Mac:
- System Preferences > Apple ID
- System Preferences > Internet Accounts
Messages > Preferences > Accounts - Facetime > Preferences > Settings
- Mail > Preferences > Accounts
- Calendar > Preferences > Accounts
You must also check iCloud for Windows, your AirPort Time Capsule or other AirPort Base Station, and your Apple TV (for iCloud Photos or Home Sharing).
Be sure your Apple ID is safe
Because you use your Apple ID for so many Apple services and products, it’s best to be sure that your Apple ID is as safe as potential. You need to be the one one who is aware of your password and may check in together with your Apple ID. If somebody you don’t know or don’t belief can check in together with your Apple ID, your account is just not safe.
Your Apple ID might not be secure for the following reasons:
- Someone else created an Apple ID on your behalf, or you’re using an Apple ID that was already signed in while you received your device.
- You’re sharing an Apple ID with family. Your Apple ID is your personal account. If you wish to share purchases with a family member, use Household Sharing. With Household Sharing, you may share a calendar, images, reminders, and extra without sharing your Apple ID.
- You don’t recognize the Apple ID that signed in on your system.
- You shared your password with another person intentionally or unintentionally. For instance, another person selected your password for you, you told someone your password, or you entered your password on a phishing website.
- You do not have control of the e-mail address or phone number associated with your Apple ID.
- Your password is weak or is compromised.
- You share your devices with another person, your devices aren’t protected by a passcode, or your passcode is easy to guess.
If any of the above are true, you should reset your password as quickly as possible and evaluate your account info.
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