In the security part, there is double authentication, application passwords or the emergency key. These are 3 of the great features that exist at Apple to increase the security of your Apple account.
Double identification, essential to increase the security of your Apple account
Double identification or even 2-factor identification is perhaps the best known way to increase the security of your Apple account.
This feature allows you to use trusted numbers and devices rather than just your password. It also allows you to activate certain features and change your password more easily, without the secret questions.
If you created an Apple account before iOS 10.3 or macOS 10.12.4, two-factor authentication is not automatically enabled. You will have to activate it yourself. It will be irrevocable.
You can activate it from… anywhere.
On the Mac :
- go to > System Preferences > Apple ID ;
- click on Password and security in the left menu;
- click on Activate in front ofTwo-factor identification ;
Note : if you have a green light with Enabled, You have nothing to do.
Under macOS Mojave or an old version, it’s a little different:
- go to > System Preferences > iCloud > Account details ;
- click on the tab security ;
- click on Activate two-factor authentication ;
- follow the instructions.
On a iPhone, iPad or iPod touch :
- meet in Settings > your name> Password and security ;
- press Activate two-factor authentication ;
- follow the instructions.
Without an Apple device, there is the Apple ID management site :
- go on Apple ID site ;
- log in;
- answer the security questions (for the last time);
- validate with Carry on ;
- click on Carry on when you are asked to better secure your account;
- click on Upgrade Account Security ;
- follow the instructions.
You can check it in the section Security, under Two-factor identification.
On the same iPhone, you can use multiple accounts with dual identification.
Passwords for applications
Some apps require an app-specific password when you sign in with an Apple account. This allows you not to enter your real password, only your e-mail address. Practical, in particular, for mail client applications.
To add one, also go to the Apple ID site in the tab security then Generate a password under Application passwords.
Increase the security of your Apple account with an emergency key
Important to know
The emergency key is a additional security. It’s a 28-character randomly generated code, you don’t choose it. However, it is not assigned automatically (nor required) and is only used on rare occasions.
Indeed, it will be used to reset your password or recover access to your Apple ID. with, necessarily, one of your trusted devices.
Before you learn how to generate an emergency key, you should be aware that although this is the most secure way, you should not never lose her since it disables account recovery. Account recovery is another method in case you lost your Apple password.
Generate an emergency key
You can generate a backup key from one of your trusted devices.
On a Mac :
- open them System Preferences > Apple ID ;
- select Password and security ;
- in front of Emergency key click on Activate ;
Note : or deactivate if you no longer want to use it.
- click on Use the emergency key ;
- write down and carefully keep the emergency key that appears;
- click on Carry on ;
- confirm the key by entering it.
Note : it seems that this is only possible from macOS Big Sur.
On a iPhone or iPad :
- open them Settings > your name> Password and security ;
- press Emergency key ;
- activate Emergency key ;
Note : or deactivate it to stop using it.
- Press on Use the emergency key ;
- enter the unlock code for your iDevice;
- write down and carefully keep the emergency key that appears;
- confirm the key by entering it.
Use your emergency key
When you forget the password linked to your Apple ID, you can change it from a trusted device or by using the backup key.
To use the emergency key, you must have a trusted phone number and Apple device running iOS 11 or macOS High Sierra or newer. You will be offered the option.
To continue to increase the security of your Apple account, please do not hesitate to control which applications access your account. The apps and sites you’ve connected with using “Connect with Apple”.
