Apple Account
![]() | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Type of site | Single sign-on |
---|---|
Available in | English |
Owner | Apple Inc. |
URL | appleid |
Commercial | Indirectly |
Written in | English |
Apple ID is an authentication method used by Apple for iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple devices. Apple IDs contain user personal information and settings. When an Apple ID is used to log into an Apple device, the device will automatically use the settings associated with the Apple ID.
Operation
Creation of account
An Apple ID account can be created free of charge from the My Apple ID web page.[1] An Apple ID is a valid email address, protected by a password set by the user that is a case-sensitive alphanumeric string of at least 8 characters. Apple will send a verification email to the email address the user provided and the user is required to follow the URL included in the verification email to activate the account. It is possible to create an Apple ID without specifying a credit card.[2]
In March 2013, Apple ID launched an optional two-step verification security feature for authentication. When enabled, a second verification step is required when using the Apple ID under certain conditions, such as a web login, or making a Store purchase from a new device. The feature uses the Find My iPhone service to send a four-digit pin code to a trusted device associated with the Apple ID when the second verification step is required for authentication.[3]
Modification
Users can change their passwords or personal information on the My Apple ID page by selecting the "Manage your account" link. Changes that a user makes to an Apple ID account, while he or she is using one Apple product,[4] are also recognized by other applications where the user uses the same Apple ID account (for example, the online Apple Store, iCloud, or iPhoto).[5] Apple will send a verification email to the email address provided and the user is required to follow the URL included in the verification email to confirm the changes. After confirming the changes, users may still be asked to verify their information the next time they use their Apple ID to purchase online, such as using the iTunes Store.
Apple also allows users to change the name of an Apple ID but users must contact Apple customer service to make such a change.
Retrieval
An Apple ID can be disabled for security reasons if the password is entered incorrectly multiple times. The user will be warned with a message when the account has been disabled.[6] Apple IDs and passwords can be retrieved by answering account security questions on iForgot.[7] For security reasons, Apple will not reset the password for an Apple ID account.
Another error is "Your Apple ID has been disabled" without disclosure of a reason. The cause of this error is as yet unknown and resetting one's password does not clear it.[citation needed] It has been reported as occurring on both iPhone and iPod Touch devices as well as in iTunes.[citation needed] One can get this issue resolved by contacting iTunes Store support at www.apple.com/support/itunes.[citation needed]
Multiple Apple IDs
Users can use different Apple IDs for their store purchases and for their iCloud storage and other uses. This includes many MobileMe users who have always had difficulties as they were forced to use more than one Apple ID, because on signing-up to the MobileMe service a new Apple ID was automatically created using the me.com email address being created at the time, meaning users could not change their previous Apple ID email address to be their me.com email address and has always remained so. Apple does not permit different accounts to be merged.[8]
Apple does not support the merging of Apple IDs with other Apple IDs or with AOL IDs created as an Apple ID.
Uses
macOS and iOS personalization
Apple ID also speeds up the process of setting up a new macOS computer or iOS device. When a user first starts up a new product, he or she will be prompted to enter an Apple ID, if available. If the user enters the Apple ID as prompted, macOS and iOS devices will bring the user straight to the desktop screen without performing the initial settings. The computer will automatically fill in all the personal data of the Apple ID into the device’s address book, contact information, and Apple Mail settings.
Apple hardware and Apple Care Protection Plan registration
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Genius_Bar%2C_SoHo_Apple_Store%2C_September_2003.jpg/220px-Genius_Bar%2C_SoHo_Apple_Store%2C_September_2003.jpg)
An Apple ID is required to register any Apple products or AppleCare protection plans on Apple's website. Product or protection plan registrations can be done on Apple's registration website by entering the serial number of the products and the Apple ID.
Concierge (for Genius Bar appointments)
An Apple ID is needed to make a reservation at the Apple Genius Bar, a tech support service that is offered inside every Apple Retail Store. By using an Apple ID, users can schedule an appointment at any Apple Genius Bar to get help and support on all Apple products.
Apple Online Discussions
Apple Discussions is a user-to-user support forum where Apple experts and users get together to discuss Apple products.[9] Any user can browse and read the discussion forum without the need of an Apple ID. However, an Apple ID gives the user the ability to participate in Apple Discussion websites such as allowing the user to ask questions about any Apple hardware or software products, to receive help, tips, and solutions from other Apple users.
Apple Online Support
If a customer needs to send an Apple Product via mail to Apple for maintenance, the customer needs to have an Apple ID in order to perform such a request. The ID can also be used to track the status of the requested service.
Furthermore, an Apple ID can be used to schedule a supported phone call from Apple technical support to guide the customer through the process of setting up systems or to perform certain tasks such as using Time Machine software on macOS to back up data or calibrating the color of the Apple Cinema Display.
Apple Rebate
An Apple ID is needed to file rebate claims on the Apple Rebate website. The process of filing a claim is very simple. The user will only need to log in with an Apple ID and provide the transaction numbers of the purchases. All of the needed information such as mailing address and customer name will be completed by the Apple ID.
iWork publishing
iWork Publishing allowed an Apple ID user to upload and share iWork projects such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynotes. The published contents could be viewed publicly or by whoever the user invited via iWork.com. The user did not need to know whether his or her colleagues use a Mac or a PC.[10] Since iWork was a web based service, anyone with a web browser and internet connection can use it.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/IPod_touch_4G.png/130px-IPod_touch_4G.png)
On July 31, 2012, iWork.com was shut down in favor of iCloud, Apple's cloud service.[11]
FaceTime
FaceTime is a video calling feature for iPhone 4 or later, Mac OS X 10.6.6 Snow Leopard or higher, the fourth generation iPod Touch or later, and the iPad 2 or later. However, an Apple ID is not required to use FaceTime if one owns an iPhone (One can make calls with their iPhone number on their Mac, iPod, and iPad). An Apple ID serves as an alternative.[12]
iPhoto and Aperture photo and photo book ordering
An Apple ID allows an iPhoto or Aperture user to place orders of photo prints or photo books directly through the iPhoto and Aperture application. The Apple ID will provide the shipping information as well as payment for the order. Users only need to choose the photos they would like to print, choose the printing service, and place the order.
Apple Developer Connection (ADC) ID
An Apple ID can also be used to access Apple developer resources such as Xcode and iOS SDK. However, to use an Apple ID on an Apple developer website, the user needs to provide more personal information such as what kind of applications the user plans to develop, the primary markets for the products, and the primary platforms the user is interested in developing for.
An Apple ID that has been registered at an Apple Developer Connection website and enrolled in a Developer Program can be used to purchase Apple hardware products at discounted rates. In addition, the ID can be used to access pre-release software from Apple, get support from Apple engineers, and attend the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Apple Online Store
An Apple ID is not required to place an order on the Apple Online Store. Apple lets buyers place orders on its online store without an Apple ID by using the Guest Checkout Feature. An Apple ID and the Guest Checkout Feature both allow the customer to access order info such as invoices, check the order status, and track the shipping package. However, Apple IDs allow users to customize their Apple Online Store experiences. Users can save items they are interested in purchasing; save a cart if they are almost ready to place an order; save shipping and billing addresses and payment information to speed up the checkout process; use 1-Click ordering on Apple's website and check Apple Gift Card balances.[13]
Apple digital stores
Apple ID gives users access to buying (or downloading for free) and later free re-download of many Apple-based resources, including:
- iTunes Store: music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, audiobooks, mobile phone ringtones.
- iBooks Store: ebooks, interactive books, digital textbooks (usable on iOS devices and Macs running Mavericks).
- Newsstand: magazines and newspapers (currently only usable on iOS devices).
- App Store: iOS apps.
- Mac App Store: macOS apps.
iTunes Store, App Store (for iOS apps), Mac App Store, iBooks Store, and Newsstand all make use of Apple ID. To
purchase digital media such as movies and music on the iTunes Store or the App Store, an Apple ID is required. A user can use an Apple ID and password to sign into the iTunes Store or App Store to buy content or authorize items the user has purchased. The ID is the proof of ownership for the content the user has previously downloaded from Apple digital stores.
The Apple ID allows the user to re-download their purchased content for any of their devices. For iTunes on computers, an Apple ID is authorized to copy purchased content on up to 5 computers at a time. Apple has not confirmed exactly how many iOS devices can use the purchased content of one ID.
According to Apple support "Your Apple ID can have up to 10 devices and computers (combined) associated with it."[14]
iCloud
iCloud allows users to store data such as music and iOS applications on remote computer servers[15] for download to multiple devices such as iOS-based devices running iOS 5 or later,[16] and personal computers running OS X 10.7.2 Lion or later, or Microsoft Windows (Windows Vista service pack 2 or later). iCloud replaced Apple's MobileMe service,[17] acting as a data syncing center for email, contacts, calendars, bookmarks, notes, reminders (to-do lists), iWork documents, photos and other data. The service also allows users to wirelessly back-up their iOS devices to iCloud instead of manually doing so using iTunes.
iTunes Ping
An Apple ID was required to access iTunes Ping, also known simply as Ping. iTunes Ping was a software-based, music-oriented social networking and recommendation system service developed and operated by Apple. Ping has been discontinued.
iCloud Unlocking
iCloud Unlocking is necessary if the phone's owner forgot both of the iCloud ID and Password. Phone's Owner should Contact Apple support & provide them Valid proofs, That Proves the ownership with the phone. Normally apple support agent asks the name and billing details to verify. The user Should Upload the Documents to Apple. Apple Has a Dedicated Team to Verify the Ownership after They Find the iCloud Unlock,[17] Request from the Current user is Legit, Then Apple Turn the Find My iPhone Settings OFF. Once the FMI is OFF, Then Phone will Not ask Previous iCloud ID. The Current User Can log in with Any of his/ her new iCloud ID.
See also
References
- ^ "My Apple ID". Apple. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "Creating an iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, and Mac App Store account without a credit card". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ "Apple Strengthens iCloud Security With 2-Step Authentication". New York Times. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ Apple plans to launch 'entirely new phone'
- ^ "iTunes Store & Mac App Store: About your Apple ID and password". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ "Apple ID: 'This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons' alert appears". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ Apple ID FAQ
- ^ "Apple to let multiple Apple IDs merge, report says". CNET. CBS Interactive. 16 September 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "Apple Support Communities". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ "iWork.com beta". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ "Apple tells iWork.com beta users service will be shut down on July 31st, recommends iCloud". Retrieved 2017-04-01.
- ^ "iOS: Using FaceTime". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ "Benefits of an Apple ID". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
- ^ "iTunes Store: Associating a device or computer to your Apple ID". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2013-06-10.
- ^ "Where can I use my Apple ID?". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
- ^ "System Requirements for ICloud". Retrieved June 30, 2012.
- ^ a b "4th Time a Charm for Apple? From iDisk to .Mac to MobileMe to iCloud". Wired. May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2011. Cite error: The named reference "fromto" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).