What to Do If Your Apple Account Has Been Compromised

Your Apple ID is important for accessing iCloud, the App Store, and your personal data. If you suspect unauthorized access, act immediately to secure your account. This guide will walk you through recognizing warning signs, regaining control, and preventing future breaches.

Signs Your Apple Account May Be Compromised

Here are the important points to watch for:

1. Notifications or Emails from Apple:

   • Alerts about signing in on unfamiliar devices.

   • Password changes or updates you didn’t initiate.

   • A notice that your Apple ID is locked due to suspicious activity.

2. Unexpected Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Requests:

   • Receiving 2FA codes that you didn’t request via SMS or trusted devices.

3. Unusual Activity in Your Account:

   • Messages sent from your Apple ID without your knowledge.

   • Purchase receipts for items you didn’t buy.

   • Trusted devices or locations you don’t recognize.

4. Access Issues:

   • Your password no longer works.

   • You’re locked out, or your account is placed in Lost Mode.

Steps to Regain Control of Your Apple Account

If you believe your Apple ID has been compromised, follow these steps immediately:

1. Change Your Password

• Go to Apple ID and change your password.

• Use a strong password that is unique to your Apple ID and unrelated to other accounts.

2. Reset Your Password (If Needed)

• If someone has already changed your password, use iForgot to reset it.

• Ensure your recovery email and phone number are up to date.

3. Review and Update Your Account Information

Log in to your Apple ID account and check the following:

• Personal details like your name and email addresses.

• Security questions and answers.

• The "Devices" section for any unauthorized devices. Remove them immediately.

4. Check Your Linked Email and Phone Numbers

• Confirm that you control all email addresses and phone numbers linked to your account.

• Contact your email provider and mobile carrier to ensure no forwarding rules or SIM swaps have been set up by a hacker.

5. Revoke App Permissions

• Go to Settings > Passwords & Security > Apps Using Apple ID on your iPhone.

• Revoke access for any apps you don’t recognize or trust.

6. Enable Advanced Protection

• Two-Factor Authentication: Add a layer of security by enabling 2FA for your Apple ID.

• Security Keys: Use physical security keys for stronger protection against phishing.

What to Do If You’re Locked Out

If you can’t log in to your account or reset your password:

1. Start Account Recovery:

   • Visit iForgot and begin the recovery process.

   • Apple may take several days to verify your identity.

2. Contact Apple Support:

   • Use Apple’s support channels for further assistance.

   • Provide proof of purchase for devices linked to your Apple ID if requested.

Securing Your Account After Regaining Control

Once you’ve regained access, follow these steps to ensure your Apple ID remains secure:

1. Review Devices and Services

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch (or System Preferences on Mac).

• Tap your name and verify all linked devices and services (e.g., iCloud, Messages, FaceTime).

• Remove any unrecognized devices.

2. Check Third-Party Access

• Review apps and services that use "Sign in with Apple."

• Revoke access to suspicious or unnecessary apps.

3. Monitor Account Activity

Regularly check for:

• Unauthorized purchases in iTunes or the App Store.

• Unexpected changes to your account details.

4. Secure Your Devices

• Passcode Protection: Use a strong passcode on all devices.

• Stolen Device Protection: Turn on “Erase Data” after 10 failed passcode attempts.

• Enable Find My iPhone for locating and remotely locking your device if it’s lost or stolen.

Best Practices for Account Security

1. Beware of Phishing Scams:

   • Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or messages claiming to be from Apple.

   • Always verify the sender’s email address.

2. Don’t Share Your Password:

   • Your Apple ID password should remain private and secure.

3. Set Up Recovery Contacts:

   • Add trusted contacts to help you regain access in emergencies.

4. Enable Security Features

• Turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud to encrypt your data.

• Use Strong Password Monitoring to alert you if your password is part of a known data breach.