Chapter 04 · 1 min read

Securing your Apple account

It protects your iCloud data, your devices and your synced passwords.

4.1 Turn on Apple two-factor authentication

On iPhone:

Settings
→ your name
→ Sign-In & Security
→ Two-Factor Authentication

Apple states that 2FA adds an extra layer of protection: someone who knows your password normally cannot sign in on a new device without the second factor.

Check that 2FA is on.Check your trusted phone number(s).Remove old numbers you no longer control.

4.2 Check the devices linked to the account

Settings
→ your name
→ scroll to the device list

You should recognise your iPhone, your Mac, any iPad and your other Apple devices. If an unknown device appears, look into it immediately and remove its access if needed.

4.3 Add a recovery contact

Apple lets you name a trusted person who can help you recover your account.

Settings
→ your name
→ Sign-In & Security
→ Account Recovery
→ Add Recovery Contact

The contact has no access to your account. They can only generate a recovery code when you need one. For a beginner this is usually an excellent safety net.

4.4 The Apple recovery key: be careful

Apple also offers a 28-character recovery key. This is a more advanced security option.

If you are new to this, start with a recovery contact instead.

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Every recommendation links back to official documentation.